Dynamo head coach Mircea Lucescu answered journalists' questions in Istanbul on the eve of the match of the 1st round of the Europa League group stage between the local Fenerbahce and the Kyiv club.
Mircea Lucescu— After the last defeat in the Ukrainian championship, you said that the morale of your players is depressed. In your opinion, can this affect the result of tomorrow's match?
— I don't think it will have an effect on our team. We have professional football players who can tune in to matches. There is an important match at the start of the European Cup tournament, which both teams want to play at a good level. Last time in Istanbul, we played a very good match with a great atmosphere at the stadium, which we expect tomorrow.
— Since you played against Fenerbahce in the Champions League qualifier, this team's formation has improved and they are now playing more effectively. Has the opponent become stronger?
— It's not true that Fenerbahce's formation has changed. In general, it is the same. One of the midfielders - Arao or Yuksek - come back and play three in a line, only now a defensive player is involved in this restructuring. Jesus always uses such a scheme.
It is worth noting that Fenerbahce did a very good job to sign a number of quality newcomers. Pedro, Enrique are players who are about 30 years old and have a lot of experience in professional football.
— After the match with Dnipro-1, you said that this might be your last game in Dynamo, but you took the team to the next match with Zorya...
— These were emotions, because we are living through a very difficult moment. After the match with Zorya, we spent 11 hours getting to Chisinau, from where we flew to Istanbul. Difficult situation, but football allows you to live a variety of experiences. Despite everything, we are preparing for a good match tomorrow.
— In the last four matches you scored two goals and conceded — eleven…
— Yes, we had a series of negative results. In the matches of the Ukrainian Premier League, we had a total advantage over our rivals, but we made mistakes in defense and conceded very simple goals. It was the same with Benfica. This happens because the players are constantly focused on the situation in their country, thinking about the safety of their families and children. Now we do not have a permanent home, we travel from city to city to play. I don't know where we are tomorrow. And it's not easy. However, as I already noted, we have very good players, so we hope to achieve a positive result in the Europa League.
— Georges Jesus saidthat football always gives a second chance, and Fenerbahce hopes to take advantage of it. What do you think about this?
- Fenerbahce is a high-level team with an excellent squad. The head coach, who is himself very experienced and qualified, did a good job. He knows exactly what needs to be done on the field to achieve victory. Fenerbahce will become one of the main contenders for the championship in Turkey.
— Do you believe that you will win tomorrow?
- First of all, we must play. Fenerbahce strives to start in the Europa League with a win, just like us. Let's see how the game goes. This applies not only to tomorrow's fight, but also to all future ones in the group. Only in November we will find out who will be the winner of the quartet.
