Miron Markevich: "The main thing is that Dynamo approach the match with Sturm without a capricious mood"

Honored Coach of Ukraine Myron Markevich in an interview "TEAM1" shared his impressions of the performance of Dynamo Kyiv and Vorskla Poltava in the international arena, told what he expects from the start of Zorya Luhansk in the Conference League, and also named the favorites of the Ukrainian Championship for the upcoming season.

- Before the start of the Champions League qualification, I predicted that the people of Kiev would take over Fenerbahce, Miron Bogdanovich said. — And I am glad that Mircea Lucescu's wards did not let him down, although the situation in the second leg in Istanbul was quite valid. The people of Kiev, first of all, should thank the young midfielder of Fenerbahce Ismail Yuksek, who lost his temper and was removed from the field at the beginning of the second half. The Turkish team was immediately forced to slow down and the guests more and more boldly began to appear at the hosts' penalty area. And the fate of the confrontation was resolved in overtime, when Dynamo skillfully took advantage of the fact that they played in the majority.

- What did you like about the actions of the people of Kiev, who would you single out among them and what vulnerabilities need to be eliminated as soon as possible?

- First of all, I will pay tribute to the Dynamo team for their character. After all, after a draw in the first match, many experts began to give preference to 2Fenerbahce", but Mircea Lucescu's wards had a different point of view. I agree that before the break in Istanbul it was hard, but the people of Kiev endured, in some episodes they were lucky, but they forced the ambitious hosts to capitulate.

Of course, goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan deserves praise, not only parrying the penalty, but also helping out in a few more moments.

What didn't you like? Unfortunately, there are not enough quality players in the Kyiv roster for a positional offensive. That is why the Dynamo team will have no choice but to rely on counterattacks in the future. I also drew attention to the fact that Dynamo has not yet been strengthened by qualified attackers.

- What can you say about the next opponent of Dynamo in the Champions League, Austrian Sturm?

- This is a promising team, where a lot of young people play, but I am sure that the people of Kiev should pass it, especially after they knocked out Fenerbahce from the tournament.

The main thing is that the Dynamo team should recover properly and approach the fight in Lodz without a capricious mood. Because I remember in the 2009/10 season Metalist, which I led, clearly underestimated Sturm in the Europa League and then paid the price for it.

- Unfortunately, Vorskla again dropped out of the Conference League after the first round...

- Due to the invasion of Russia, the Poltava team decided to play both matches with AIK in Sweden. Unlike the same Dynamo team, not to mention the AIK football players, Viktor Skrypnyk's wards could not boast of playing practice and a long bench. In the end, this had an effect, although there are no special claims against Poltava residents, given the realities.

- At the beginning of August, another Ukrainian club, Zorya, will start in the Conference League qualification, which will sort things out with the Romanian Universitat. Who do you prefer here?

- Although the Luhansk residents suffered considerable personnel losses, nevertheless, their level of training is higher than in the counterpart from Craiova. I think that Zorya can do well even in the group stage of the Conference League.

- In August, Ukrainian fans will closely follow not only the performances of Dynamo and Zorya in the international arena, but also the start in the Premier League...

- You know, I am in favor of the championship being necessarily restored, although, frankly, I was inclined to believe that the competition should be held in one of the neighboring countries. However, interested organizations opted for Ukraine. I hope that every trifle will be taken into account so that the safety of the participants is guaranteed. It will be a challenge to the whole of Ukraine.

As for the contenders for gold, no one threatens the leading positions of Dynamo and Shakhtar, although it is advisable for the Pitmen to equip themselves with skillful legionnaires if they want to perform well in the Champions League.

From whom can you expect surprises? First of all, from Rukh, in whose ranks there are many talented young people who are burning with the desire to loudly declare themselves.

Vasily MIKHAILOV