The ex-coach of Dynamo Kyiv, Jozsef Sabo, commented on the performance of Dynamo in the Champions League qualification, and also assessed the prospects of the Kyiv team in the confrontation with Benfica.
Jozsef Szabo— How would you rate Dynamo's victory in the match against Sturm?
— They write that it was a hard game. But here everything depends on the Dynamo players themselves. When I watched the match, it seemed to me that the people of Kiev were not very tuned in to the return match. In my opinion, Sturm is not a Champions League team. This is a weak team. Although, yes, somehow they played and could, by the way, win. But that would be unfair, because Dynamo has a stronger team than Sturm.
- How would you rate the physical condition of Mircea Lucescu's team?
- Many argue and write that Dynamo has no game practice, that they are not yet fully prepared physically. And I oppose such statements. Look how many matches Dynamo played! Yes, these were friendly matches, but the people of Kiev played all the time. And the proof of this is the game of Dynamo in extra time of the duel with the Austrians. Dynamo football players ran fresh in extra time. This suggests that the people of Kiev are already physically ready for the new season. Therefore, there is more of a psychological and moral aspect.
- Do you think that Dynamo did not properly tune in to the return match with the Austrian team?
- I am sure about that. Although I don’t know what and how Lucescu determined at the pre-match installation. Yes, the people of Kiev had ball control, but there was no speed. And after a missed goal, the people of Kiev somehow perked up, some attacks began. And in extra time, the Dynamo team simply ran over the opponent with the skating rink!
- Your words about a certain relaxation are confirmed by the episode when, after a shot on Dynamo's goal, Buschan spoke with Dubinchak in a raised voice, expressing his criticism.
- Well, yes, Bushchan is already a kind of Dynamo commander. A goalkeeper is a goalkeeper. Why am I talking about this? Here I am watching the match and wondering at some points: what happened to the Dynamo team, have they already passed or what? Even before the match, I said that the people of Kiev, even in the current situation, cannot lose to this opponent. Because when I saw the game of the Austrians, I realized that this is a weak team. I'm talking about the fact that they don't have speeds, that gross mistakes are made when receiving and passing the ball. This suggests that Sturm's team is weak, and not at the level of the Champions League.
- Garmash could have scored in extra time of the second half and Dynamo would immediately go to the next qualifying round.
- Of course, it would be better if Garmash scored. He played well with his head after a corner, but hit the crossbar. But the guy will never understand that you can't talk to the judges. And what to talk to them about if he doesn't know the language. Any person will be indignant and say: "I'll kick you out now!". Therefore, you can’t behave like that on the field.
— By the way, Garmash, like Sidorchuk, will miss the first match against Benfica. Will it affect the game of the people of Kiev?
- I think that the absence of Sidorchuk in the match with Benfica will be a loss. Why? Because there is no second Sidorchuk in the team. For me, Sidorchuk in Dynamo and Stepanenko in Shakhtar are pure defensive midfielders who, if their partners fail, will definitely meet the enemy, and so on. And here comes the question. Who, in the absence of Sidorchuk, can play a defensive midfielder in Dynamo? I don't see such a player. Shaparenko? He was not created for this and he does not have such discipline as these midfielders. Shepelev? No, absolutely! So I don't even know who will play Sidorchuk's position.
- What are the chances of Dynamo in the confrontation with Benfica?
- It will be a very serious game against Benfica. I want the people of Kiev to pass the Lisbon, but they will not pass Benfica. With such a game, they will not beat the Portuguese. Yes, Dynamo will fight back, but Benfica is a scoring team. She will definitely score. This is the top team!
- Benfica scored 11 goals in three opening matches of the new season. Confident victories in two matches with Midtjylland (3:1, 4:1) in the Champions League, as well as a devastating victory in the match of the first round of the Portuguese Championship with Aroca (4:0).
- Yes Yes! They score all the time, Lisbon scorers. And Dynamo doesn't have a central striker. I don't know, really for all the time the people of Kiev could not find a scoring footballer?
- At least Dovbik would be lured away?
- Well, yes, at least Dovbik was lured away. For him, it seems, it would be necessary to pay 12 million. But that's too much.
- Do you think the Tsygankov factor can work? In the return match with Sturm, he scored an assist and a goal. After all, he has already become the leader of the team.
- I respect any football player. As for Tsygankov, I will say that I feel sorry for him. Because he grew in level, and then he started getting injured. And, God forbid, that Tsygankov does not get injured until August 17. Why is he not invited to other clubs? Coaches see that the player is often injured. Why buy it then? He hasn't gotten into shape yet. Now, if Tsygankov gets in shape, then maybe he will show his level. But so far this is not the case.
- Can the factor of an experienced Lucescu play into the hands of the people of Kiev?
- Lucescu himself is lucky. Well, just lucky! (laughs). Sometimes when I watch matches, I laugh. Because things happen that shouldn't happen. But this may be good for our team. Although, I think that Dynamo won't make it to Benfica. Benfica is a top team, not an easy opponent. I want Dynamo to pass, but this is unlikely to happen. Benfica is a scoring team. Lisbon will definitely score. They all run, we know the Portuguese well. They defend well, are good at tackle. But everything is possible!
Dmitry KOTKOV
