All-rounder of "Dynamo" Kyiv Oleksandr Karavaev talked about the preparation for the matches of the decisive stage of the Champions League qualification, as well as the mood prevailing in the team on the eve of an important confrontation.
— Two steps to the group stage of the Champions League have already been overcome, the last one remains. What is currently known about Benfica?
— Our future opponent has strengthened very well, the coach has changed, a very technical and strong team. They began to slowly take them apart, to see how they played matches at the previous stage. We will prepare carefully, because we understand that this is the last step, very important. We have done a great job and now we have to be even better prepared for the upcoming games.
— What exactly is the current Benfica different from last year, taking into account the change of the coaching staff and the addition of the team?
— It's hard to say, because we didn't watch the matches they had at all. The first impression is the technical team, there is a game pattern. It's a little different from last season because they have a different game plan, so we will prepare differently than we did a year ago.
- Now everyone in the team is extremely focused and focused. Is it not connected with the pressure that not only Dynamo fans are waiting for these matches, but also all of Ukraine, heroes who defend their native land?
— Of course, we understand that, and everyone can see what our situation is now. It is very, very difficult to go to a match with all the sad news happening in Ukraine in your head. At the same time, there is a lot of good news, but in general, the word "war" is already very scary, and it is practically impossible to go out into the field and get rid of thoughts about the events taking place in the homeland. But, at the same time, we understand that the guys are defending our homeland and giving us the opportunity to play and represent our country on the international stage, and for us this is a great privilege. Therefore, we must give more than one hundred percent, because it is much more difficult for our defenders at home.
— At the same time, many Poles support Dynamo, plan to fill the stadium in Łódź with Benfica...
— This is very good, once again a big thank you to the Polish people for helping us, the athletes, as well as the people who were forced to leave their homes in Ukraine and became refugees in every possible way. Everyone sees that peace, friendship and humanity are always in the foreground. When we come to other countries, we always see this and feel this support.
— Probably one of your biggest dreams is to play a Champions League match in peaceful Kyiv?
— Of course, it is the most important dream that here, being abroad, we wake up one morning and see on the news that we have won the war and peace has come to our country. So that we begin to rebuild everything, restore and rejoice in what we have. And when you see their fighting spirit, their smiles on the video of our soldiers on the front lines, you also believe that everything will be fine. A low bow to them.
— Previously, football players tuned in to matches by turning on music, but now they probably watch similar videos?
— In principle, everyone adjusts to the match on their own. Yes, now there is no music, because there is no joyful mood. We are happy only when we score goals, but at the same time we understand that we are doing it for our country, our defenders. This is probably the only positive point. And yes, in general, there is no place for joy, because the war is going on in our country. I wish it would end soon and that peace would come.
— "Dynamo" has a tight schedule now, many moves. After the second leg with Sturm, there was one day off. Did he have enough time to rest?
— I repeat, we value what we have. Busy schedule, few days off - we're all used to playing like that, two days later on the third. Therefore, this is a normal routine for us, nothing new, because we know how to properly recover, prepare for training and games. If we want to play at a high level, we have to endure.
— Two matches with Benfica will be very important for Dynamo and the entire Ukrainian people. What would you say to those compatriots who are currently in Poland, Europe, to come to the stadium and support the team?
— We can see that they come to the stadium, and it can be seen in their eyes that they are receiving positive emotions here in this difficult time. So, who has not yet been to the stadium, we invite everyone who wants to come and support our team. It will be very pleasant for us, and we promise that we will do everything in our power to give the audience as many positive emotions as possible.