"RM should have never let Cristiano Ronaldo leave"

Shakhtar Donetsk play at Valdebebas on Wednesday against Shakhtar Donetsk in their Champions League opener. Ahead of the game, Shakhtar coach Luis Castro spoke about the situation at Real Madrid and his side to 'Marca'. 

One of the problems Real Madrid have is their lack of goal. Nevertheless, the Shakhtar boss had positive things about their opponents. "We we are speaking about Real, we're talking about Benzema, Modric, Asensio, Vinicius, Ramos... They're a great team!", he said. 

Nevertheless, when asked about how Madrid have coped since losing Cristiano Ronaldo, Castro said Madrid made a big mistake. "When you have Cristiano in your team, you should never let him leave. Ever! We're talking about the best, the most efficient footballer in the world."

"For me it's the best. Cristiano has a story which is fantastic. He left his home at the age of 11 in Lisbon to become a footballer. Ronaldo has tremendous determination. For me, he's an example for all kids," the Shakhtar coach continued. 

"People critice Ronaldo too much. That he does this, he spends so much money on that... And he responds on the pitch every day. The day they make a film about Ronaldo and people see where he has come from really, how he has become a footballer, people will value him much more," he added.

Back on the match, Castro was upset about his team and football nowadays. "Being a coach nowadays is a nightmare, I'm being that clear. With the coronavirus and the fixture schedule which has been made, you are full of players out and injuries. We have had 10 players out! And even noq I didn't know if they were going to be able to play in Madrid or not. In the end it seems so, but I also tell you that they aren't fit to play more than 20 or 25 minutes." 

He believes that what he saw in the match between Real Madrid and Cadiz will not be 100% accurate because of the pandemic: "You can watch Real Madrid's games and they may not be useful because many times, the plans you make are ruined if you or your opponents suddenly have five players out"

The situation has transformed football. The big clubs are no longer unbeatable: "Liverpool were hit for seven, United for six, City for five... In Germany, Bayern have been thrashed, Madrid and Barca lost this weekend in La Liga... The big clubs are really suffering during this madness. Therefore, anything can happen."

How does he see Shakhtar ahead of Wednesday's game? I see football as a sport of ability and Madrid have got more ability than us. They are stronger and they are the favourites, but we are of course going to try and claim an upset. We can win, but they are better."

Lastly, he spoke about the game plan against Zinedine Zidane's men: "We are a team who have about 75% possession in our league. We are a happy team, which attacks. Obviously that won't happen against Real Madrid because their strength means they will get the ball off us a lot."