Serhiy Puchkov assessed Shakhtar and Dynamo's chances of winning the Ukrainian Cup trophy

The winner of the Ukrainian Cup, Serhiy Puchkov, shared his thoughts on the chances of "Shakhtar" and "Dynamo" to win the tournament.

– On September 17, at least half of Zakarpattia will be watching the match "Vilkhivtsi" - "Shakhtar". Do you think the Second League team has any chances?

– Without a doubt. The level of opponents cannot be compared. Yes, I am sure that there will be a crazy excitement among the local fans. And I do not exclude that at the beginning of the match, the hosts will try to impose something on the famous opponent. A lot depends on the coach, what tactics he will choose for the game against the grand.

I remember the 2006/2007 season when I was coaching the second league team "Sevastopol". In the 1/8 finals, we defeated the strong Donetsk team "Metalurh" (4:1) and played on equal terms, not pressing against our goal. And in the quarterfinal match against "Shakhtar," we tried to attack. At that time, circumstances did not allow us to beat the "miners" (0:1).

It is quite possible that Donetsk coach Arda Turan will resort to rotation, but I do not think it will be significant. In my opinion, "Shakhtar" will not have big problems in this match.

– In your opinion, how much does Arda Turan want to win this trophy, considering that he has not won it, having lost to "Dynamo" in the previous tournament?

– "Shakhtar" always aims to win all internal competitions. But here it is worth remembering that the draw is blind. "Polissya" and "Dynamo" have already reached the 1/8 finals. And these are not "Vilkhivtsi". Therefore, the path to the trophy may be thorny, if it happens (smiles).

– You mentioned "Sevastopol," but in 2010, you won the trophy with "Tavriya," on which no one bet.

– But that was a little later. Everything worked out perfectly. We had a great team. The players met all the requirements set by the coaching staff. This was the main key to success.

– "Dynamo," which had some difficulties against Vinnytsia's "Niva," will it be difficult to defend the title?

– I think so.

– Why do you think so?

– Today's players do not have the skill, the spirit that has always been characteristic of this team. Now and then, 15 years ago, it's like night and day. The Kyivans were running, they were doing such a volume of work that the current generation can only dream of. But again, a lot will depend on the draw and the mood. This is not a championship, everything is decided here and now.

– Who can surprise among the teams from lower leagues?

– Let's wait for the end of the current round, the draw for the 1/8 finals will take place, then we can say something more specific.