Serhiy Nagornyak: Dnipro-1 was lucky to a certain extent with the draw

The well-known Ukrainian coach Serhiy Nagornyak commented on the results of the Conference League group stage draw, which resulted in Dnipro-1 being in Group E — with the Dutch AZ, Cypriot Apollo and Vaduz from Liechtenstein.

“The Dnipro people were lucky to a certain extent with the lot, considering who could hit them. However, this group is not a gift either. The team and the head coach have a lot of work to do.

The Dnepr-1 that was last year and the current one are two different things. Performance in the Conference League will be a real test for the team. Defensive play and goalkeeping are the biggest concerns for me right now.

However, if we speak exclusively in terms of composition, then the Dnipro people are able to fight for the exit from the group. Yes, here on paper AZ looks like a clear leader. But in the confrontations with Vaduz and Apollo, you need to win, despite the fact that the Cypriots became the champions of their country, and even despite the whole football situation that is now in Ukraine.

It is important for Dnipro-1 to get a positive result in the first match - then it will be easier to work further. I believe that Oleksandr Kucher's team will be able to please Ukrainian fans. We will write off the departure from the Europa League as a misunderstanding,” said Nagornyak.