The Eagles set up their semi-final clash with the Ukrainian side after winning their two-legged quarter-final 4-2 against the Italian side despite a 2-1 loss in Italy on Thursday night.
“Everybody is very excited for what's to come next. Shakhtar in the semis,” said the USA captain to News Shopper in Florence. “It’s exciting. If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. Our next challenge is beating Shakhtar. They've done really well. They deserve a semi-final as well. So if we go in there and give them two hard games we’ll hopefully come out on top.”
Ismaila Sarr had put the visitors ahead just before the 20-minute mark before a penalty 10 minutes later and early second half strike saw the Italian side rally but ran out of steam as Oliver Glasner’s team eased to victory.
“They're a good team and there's a reason why they were in the quarter-finals as well,” said the 26-year-old. “Once they had the momentum it was hard to take it back, especially with them being at home. But me, Chadi (Riad), Jaydee (Canvot) and whoever was in the back with me, we did really well. Even though maybe we don't have many games under our belts together we did really well. We went back to our principles, which is box defending, and that's exactly what we did.”
(Image: UEFA)
“It's always tough because these are two guys who, they're not just playing for us, they also are looking at the World Cup as an opportunity as well,” added the former Bayern Munich defender about significant injuries to key players Maxence Lacriox and Adam Wharton which saw them exit the field in the first half. “Maybe there's a bit of worry for them, but those are two strong guys who hopefully will be back on the pitch soon.”
And Richards also took time out to praise fellow centre back, 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot, after the teenager has impressed in recent weeks, cementing his place as a starter in defence, following the transfer of former club captain Marc Guehi in the last transfer window.
“Everybody saw his talent coming in,” said Richards about the France U21 defender. “I remember being 19 and playing at a decent level. Sometimes you're rough around the edges, but one of the things about him is that he's willing to learn. He's asking questions, asking the right questions, leaning on people for advice. I'm really happy that everybody else is also starting to see know how well he's done for us. He'll be a big part of our future.”
That future could see another trophy come to SE25, following the FA Cup and FA Community Shield, with the UEFA Conference League title potentially just 270 minutes away.
And after 14 games already in the competition, Richards is quick to acknowledge that for him – as well as the team – the different experience has been a learning exercise and one they are keen to continue, but step-by-step.
“You have to sometimes adapt to different playing styles, different countries, how they play, different referees. Everything's different to the Premier League. You can't necessarily be as ‘handsy’ at corners and things like that. You can't talk to the ref. It's different things that you have to learn, and it's only experience that you can gain by playing in Europe. So every game, regardless of if we won, lost or drew, was a learning experience, and we’ll be taking that into the next round.
“My job is go out there and put in good performances for this club and if it results in history, then so be it, but we're trying not to look too far ahead,” he added.
“We do understand this is our first time playing in Europe, and being able to bring a semi-final to Selhurst will be amazing. Hopefully we can give them (the fans) a win and progress to the next round. But every chapter, every game that we play has been history for Crystal Palace.”