Srna: Shakhtar can bounce back in style

Captain Darijo Srna has vowed to right the wrongs of FC Shakhtar Donetsk's first league defeat since August when the Ukrainian side host Olympique de Marseille in their UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg on Thursday.

Domestic reverse
Mircea Lucescu's team lost 1-0 at FC Metalurh Zaporizhya on Sunday, a result which, coupled with victory for leaders FC Dynamo Kyiv at FC Metalurh Donetsk, left Shakhtar 15 points adrift in second place. However, the visit of the French club to the RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium offers the chance for an immediate response and Srna is determined to take it. "The main aim is not to concede a goal," the Croatian international told uefa.com.

'Strong character'
Srna joined Shakhtar from HNK Hajduk Split in July 2003 and the 26-year-old midfielder has since played almost 130 Premier League matches. For a side used to challenging for the title it has been a difficult domestic season, although Lucescu's men have recovered well from a poor start that left them languishing in the bottom half of the table. "We have a strong character and that is the reason we overcame the crisis," he said. "I'm sure we will continue to play good football and will finish second."

'Not ready'
While the runners-up spot – and entry to the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round – would be welcome, Shakhtar are also feeling the heat from FC Metalist Kharkiv, two points behind with a game in hand. Of Sunday's defeat, Srna added: "We were not ready. We conceded an early goal [after three minutes] and were rattled. We always have problems in the league after international matches. I'm sure we will correct the mistakes and will play much better on Thursday. We are confident. "

Opposition praise
Marseille, like Shakhtar, parachuted into the competition from the UEFA Champions League group stage, and Srna is relishing pitting his wits against another of the continent's big names. "Marseille are one of the strongest sides in Europe," he continued. "They are second in the French league, one point behind Olympique Lyonnais. They are better than Paris Saint-Germain, who Dynamo are playing. I think Hamburg against Manchester City and our match are the best of the quarter-finals. Any of these teams can win the trophy."

'Mistakes'
Srna refuses to single out any of the opposition for special attention, focusing instead on the exciting contest in prospect. "Both teams play open football so the game should be interesting for the fans," he said. "Marseille are a very clever team. I'm sure we will score but the most important thing is not to concede a goal. Small mistakes can cost you a lot."