Pyatov composed ahead of final test

If cool heads are a priceless commodity in high-pressure situations, FC Shakhtar Donetsk could hardly hope to have a calmer presence between the posts than Andriy Pyatov when they lock horns with Werder Bremen in the UEFA Cup final on Wednesday.

'I'm calm'
The Ukrainian international goalkeeper may only be 24 years of age, but his experience in winning a domestic league and cup double last season could prove invaluable when the two teams take the field at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in midweek. "I'm calm," he said. "I've had other games and other finals before. This one is the final of the UEFA Cup and of course I think it means a lot to everyone. But life will go on. For now we have this goal in front of us and, since we are in the final, any team would be fighting for the maximum result."

Diego's absence
The former FC Vorskla Poltava No1 is not unduly concerned about the dangers Bremen threaten to pose. "Each team is different in its own way," he said. "Each game is different. We have our own game and it depends on how well we prepare ourselves." While nonetheless admitting the Weserstadion outfit are "very powerful", Pyatov shrugged at the suggestion that they will be a more straightforward prospect without suspended Brazilian playmaker Diego. "It's hard to say," he commented. "Another player will come in in his place and will try to prove he is no worse than Diego."

Room for improvement
The Kirovohrad native is anything but nonchalant, however. Having conceded only five goals in the Pitmen's eight UEFA Cup outings so far this season, he is one of the reasons the team have advanced so far. But while others see would those as very respectable figures, Pyatov only sees room for improvement. "It could have been better," he said. "We could have played differently for the goals that were scored. But OK, that's football. All in all, it's more thanks to the defenders; my role is as a leader. The better I can lead the team – the defence, that is – the easier it is for me."

Measured approach
Pyatov's relaxed manner also reflects the measured approach that has brought Shakhtar to within 90 minutes of their first ever European title. "We've taken each game as it came, with no specific focus on going to the final," he explained. "Our goal was to win each individual match. We've stuck by this goal, gradually moving step by step, preparing ourselves psychologically to win each game – and it's been successful."