Focus on Football, Not Geopolitics, Says Shakhtar Coach Lucescu

New Conflict Raises Questions About Shakhtar's Future

Following the escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, FC Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has urged his players to remain focused on football, instead of being distracted by geopolitical issues.

Donetsk and Luhansk Regions Become Flashpoints

The conflict in eastern Ukraine took a turn for the worse after separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions declared independence from Ukraine following a controversial referendum.

The Ukrainian government has condemned the referendum as illegal and has launched a military offensive to regain control of the regions.

Shakhtar's Home Ground Now in Rebel Hands

Shakhtar Donetsk's home ground, the Donbass Arena, is located in the rebel-held city of Donetsk.

The club has been forced to play its home matches in Lviv, western Ukraine, since the start of the conflict in 2014.

Lucescu: Focus on Football

Despite the challenges facing his club, Lucescu has insisted that his players must remain focused on football.

"We are footballers, not politicians," Lucescu said. "Our job is to play football, not to get involved in politics."

"We must try to stay within the framework of sport and football," he added.

Shakhtar's Future Uncertain

The future of FC Shakhtar Donetsk is uncertain amid the ongoing conflict.

The club has been forced to relocate its home matches and its training ground has been damaged by shelling.

It remains to be seen whether Shakhtar will be able to return to its home city of Donetsk and whether the club will be able to maintain its status as one of Ukraine's top clubs.