Head coach of the youth team of the Sheriff Football Academy Shota Makharadze about the victory over the Albanian Shkendija:

 

- We were waiting for a difficult game compared to the first leg. We understood that the opponent had nothing to lose. We should have been more careful and more pragmatic. We realized that we were playing at home and needed emotions. But this moment was decisive. The boys showed pragmatism, played for the result. I am grateful to the whole team, all the staff and those people who supported us wholeheartedly.

 

- Shota, can you say at what point did you believe that you had passed to the next round?

- Already at the added time, there was confidence that we would not miss the advantage.

 

- Even after we scored, were there concerns?

- Of course, 1-0 is a close score.

 

- The Albanians started very aggressively, and your team answered with the same aggressiveness, fighting for every ball. It seems that you were waiting for such an aggressive game from the opponent ...

- We understood that the game would be viscous. Plus, if you say as in football, we were waiting for the battle. We were ready for this. We ourselves realized that there would be no sparkling football. Prepared for this. At the same time, the match was beautiful, with high speeds.

 

- The team created many good moments, the Albanian goalkeeper often saved his team. Looks like it's worth working on the realisation before of the next round?

- Not only on realisation. The players are young and we are aware that they are in the process of education and approach to big football. We will work on all components of the game. We alredy saw a lot, besides the decisive phase of the attack.

 

- Where would you like to go - to Norway or Finland?

- The most important thing for us (and we agreed in the team) is that we will do everything to stay longer in this tournament. There is a different aura, different emotions. All teams are in sight. And it’s nice. We must try to do it.

 

- What are your emotions now?

- I think that there is a balance between good and bad. And I'm glad that we met the norm.

 

- Are You happy?

- Sure.

 

- Is this a completely different level when compared with the Championship of Moldova?

- The visual side is completely different. Unfortunately, we do not play in such stadiums in the Championship of Moldova. Plus there were a lot of spectators, lighting, a team from another country. It's a pleasure to watch such matches.

 

- Speaking of the team, did you count on specifically one of the players?

- Today (and this was said at the set) we should not stand out individually in any way. Today was supposed to be a team.

 

- Has it happened?

- Today it was clear that there is a team on the field. We understood that only team actions can bring us results.

FC Sheriff Press Office