The return matches of the play-off round of the Europa League qualification will be held today. In one of them, "Dnipro-1" will play as a guest with AEK of Cyprus (the first meeting of the rivals, as a reminder, ended in a defeat of the Dnipro team with a score of 1:2). A day before this meeting, the pre-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian team Oleksandr Kucher took place.
— What can you say about your opponent, maybe highlight one of the players?
— AEK is an extremely experienced team that plays a lot in European Cups. There are many legionnaires in the team, an experienced Spanish coach who has worked in different countries. Many of the players who have played in Primera are quality footballers in the midfield, and of course Altman is a strong performer.
— Will unusual weather conditions be a problem for your team, as it is very hot and humid here? And what are your feelings before tomorrow's match?
— Of course, if we want to go to the group round of the Europa League, we must win tomorrow. But we understand that it will be very difficult for us tomorrow, because I know the fans at AEK and they will give the team extra effort and play even better in their native walls. We will prepare for it.
— Which of your players will not be able to play tomorrow?
— Luchkevich, Purita and Gorbunov, who stayed to work in Kosice, did not fly with us due to injuries. They will prepare for the next matches. Well, of course, due to the red card in the first match, Sarapii will not help us.
— What are your feelings after the start of the official matches, because there is a war going on in the country?
— Very pleasant feelings, because the official games have started, and we miss these emotions, the fans, because we have not had an official match for more than six months. To be precise, we haven't played football in more than eight months, so now everything feels very positive.