Interview with Andriy Vorobey
Former Shakhtar Donetsk striker Andriy Vorobey has shared his thoughts on the club's current affairs, his lack of close ties with former teammates, and his assessment of Shakhtar's prospects in the UEFA Conference League semifinal against English side Crystal Palace. The match is scheduled for April 30, 2026, at the Municipal Stadium in Krakow, kicking off at 10:00 PM Kyiv time. Fans can watch the game live on the Megogo streaming service.
Vorobey explained that his focus is now on his health and family. He stated:
“Right now, I’m focused on my health and my own family. My playing career left me with old injuries, so I’m working on getting myself back in shape. Of course, I still follow football to stay up to date with current topics.”
The former striker also revealed that he no longer maintains friendships with his former Shakhtar teammates:
“I don’t really keep in touch with anyone, and there’s no special friendship with my former Shakhtar partners. Fate has scattered us around the world, and these are tough times—people are angry and resentful. So my family comes first for me. That’s where I focus most of my attention.”
Shakhtar’s Conference League Prospects
Regarding Shakhtar’s performance in the Conference League, Vorobey acknowledged that reaching the semifinals is a notable achievement, though he noted the tournament is not on the same level as the Champions League:
“Reaching the semifinals of the Conference League is already a good result. Yes, this tournament isn’t at the Champions League level, but playing in the semifinals of any European competition is an accomplishment.”
However, when evaluating the club’s chances against Crystal Palace, Vorobey expressed some doubts:
“As for the matchup with Crystal Palace, I think it will be very tough for Shakhtar. The English club is the clear favorite of the tournament.”
He also noted that Shakhtar’s progression past Lech Poznań and AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League was not particularly convincing, and he placed his bet on Crystal Palace—though still holding out hope for Shakhtar:
“Still, I believe in Shakhtar. As the great Ukrainian coach Viktor Prokopenko used to say, don’t look for logic in football.”
The return leg between the two teams will take place on May 7, 2026.
Vorobey’s comments highlight the significance of the Conference League semifinal for Shakhtar, as it reflects the club’s progress on the international stage despite tough competition from English sides. By noting his own difficulties in maintaining ties with former teammates, Vorobey also illustrates how personal changes can affect professional relationships in sports. While Shakhtar’s chances against Crystal Palace are seen as slim, there remains room for hope and potential surprises in football.
As Shakhtar prepares for this crucial semifinal, it's essential to consider expert predictions regarding their chances against Crystal Palace. For a deeper analysis of the match and insights from a Shakhtar legend, check out our coverage on the outlook for Shakhtar in the Conference League.