Midfielder of Dynamo Kyiv Oleksandr Andrievsky took part in the press conference of the team's head coach Mircea Lucescu the day before in Lodz, dedicated to the first match of the Champions League qualifying round play-off against Portuguese Benfica.
Alexander Andrievsky (photo: fcdynamo.com)- Oleksandr, how important is it for you and your team to present the capital of Ukraine at such a difficult time for your country?
- First of all, we think about our people and our heroes defending Ukraine. It's the most important. We play for them and try to support them in this way, add strength and inspiration.
- What will the entry of Dynamo into the group stage of the Champions League mean for the people of Kiev and all Ukrainians?
“This is very important for our people.
— How do you feel in Poland?
— I want to thank the Poles for such a warm welcome. We feel at home here. Everything is super, all conditions have been created for us to prepare well and show results on the field.
We also feel support from the Polish people, so we play for them as well. We invite Polish fans to tomorrow's match.
— Benfica is a tough opponent. Does the team feel pressure before the match with them?
- We played with Benfica last year, so we are emotionally ready for a new meeting. I think if we follow the coach's instructions 100 percent, then everything will be fine with us.
- A few days after the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian striker of Benfica Roman Yaremchuk scored a goal and showed a T-shirt with the Ukrainian coat of arms. Soon he received the captain's armband to loud applause from the fans and could not hold back his tears. Do you remember these moments and how did it make you feel?
- After such moments, tears well up in my eyes. Roman is well done, which thus shows support for the Ukrainian people. It is very important.
