The championship of Ukraine is gaining momentum. Many sensations occurred already at the start of the tournament, when unexpected leaders and outsiders were determined. Impressions from the events in the Premier League and expectations of upcoming matches in an interview Footboom shared the ex-forward of Kyiv "Dynamo" Oleg Salenko.
Oleg Salenko- The biggest surprise is the unsuccessful start of Dynamo, which has four defeats in a row, taking into account two matches with Benfica. And if you remember that in these matches the people of Kiev conceded 11 goals, then the question immediately arises: what is wrong with the defense?
In my opinion, this is not noticeable dedication of the players, efforts in closing zones. Something must be done, especially considering that the away match of the Europa League is coming up soon. With such a game in defense, Dynamo does not expect anything good from the European arena. For such irresponsibility of defenders, one of them should be put on the bench.
— The most frequent and gross mistakes are inherent in Sirota, but the coach keeps him on the field, motivating that this defender supplies the team's attack with passes. So what's the priority?
— If not Orphan, then who? So far, there is no one to put on the defensive. Many injured, the same Popov… Mircea Lucescu needs to make the defenders, on the one hand, play easier - to carry the ball away without risking, and on the other hand, it is imperative to act one-on-one with the opponent, guarding and beating the opponent due to technique. And what is happening now? Dynamo defenders shift responsibility to each other...
— How much does it depend on the coach? Is there any flaw on the part of Lucescu?
- He chooses the squad... The number of goals conceded speaks for itself. I think it's a coaching problem. Perhaps something will be fixed in the near future, when all UPL teams, including Dynamo, will have the opportunity to work in a calm environment. I think the pause associated with the matches of the national teams will benefit the people of Kiev. Although many Dynamo players will go to the camp of the national team and Lucescu will not see them...
— Shakhtar pass the tournament distance more successfully, but it is noticeable that this success is given to the Pitmen hard...
— Yes, Shakhtar don't score a lot, but they make up for it with a reliable defensive play. The Pitmen's defense is cemented by experienced Stepanenko and Matvienko. The Jovicevic team operates on the principle: the main thing is not to concede, but in the attack we will find our own, at least one chance. In the first round, it didn’t work out very well, but then this mechanism works - they score even with ten men.
I think that Shakhtar will have nothing in the Champions League. Therefore, the Pitmen are betting on the Ukrainian Championship. Their lead over Dynamo is already seven points, and in the future, Shakhtar will try to take maximum points, despite the sophistication of the game.
— Which UPL teams impressed you the most at the start of the championship?
- Certainly, Zarya. This team has a well-placed game, giving an impressive result - 9 points in three matches. In general, strange metamorphoses have to be observed - many Dynamo players play for Zorya, and Zorya players now play for Dynamo ... I have no doubt that Dnipro-1 will also take the maximum points in the Premier League, but Zorya demonstrates the most quality football. I don’t know if the Zorya coach will be able to keep the team at the same level after a pause in the championship, we’ll see.
— Let's get back to the sensational failure of Dynamo... The Kyivans have a problem, obviously, not only in defense. What about the White-Blues attack?
- We must endure and play ahead of Vanat. He must clearly understand that he is trusted, and the team will play for him. In addition to time, Wanat also needs space for action. You need to use his excellent speed and the ability to complete the attack at this speed. It seems to me that the Europa League match against Fenerbahce will be indicative. The Turkish team will not close on its field, will go forward and if Vanata puts Lucescu on the attack, then the guy will have the opportunity to show himself in all his glory.
— That is, there is only hope for Vanat?
- No, we need to pull up the youth from the second team. It is not for nothing that the coaches carefully watch the matches of the U-19 team... And as for those newcomers that Dynamo signed for the attack, now they will not help the team. They need time to adapt and get in shape.
Oleg Semenchenko
