Former Dnipro striker Oleg Venglinsky shared his expectations from the debut match of Dnipro-1 in the Conference League.
Oleg Venglinsky (photo: fcdynamo.com)- I agree that AZ is the favorite in this match, because it is a good, balanced team. I'm looking after AZ and Ajax. They play good, combinational, attacking football. Therefore, today the Dnepr-1 defensive redoubts will work in full. The strength of Dnipro-1 is a team game plus legionnaires who diluted the team with their skills. They do not act in a straightforward manner, but with a twist, outside the box. This symbiosis (of Ukrainians and foreigners) gives a good picture on the football field. And the most important thing is that the team scores. And not only attackers, but also defenders play very aggressively, especially in set pieces. Today, this should play into the hands of Dnipro-1.
Did you see how Ajax tore apart the Rangers yesterday? So, there were matches when AZ beat this Ajax. AZ is a good, fast, mobile team that plays great in attack. They don't have big holes between the lines. In addition, we do not know what line-up AZ will be in. Usually, in the Conference League, the Dutch teams do not use all the main players. For them, the championship is more important. The whole team will have to work to deprive them of space and the ball. You need to move a lot, move without the ball, close the zones. And, of course, do not forget to carry out counterattacks. I think there will be moments when Dnipro-1 will be able to play as the first number. You can try to put pressure on AZ, because in the championship there are few people who put pressure on them and this component has not been worked out for them to automatism. This may come as a surprise to AZ.
Our threat may come from many players, but I expect goals from Dovbik. For some reason, he rarely spoils us with goals scored this season. I think it’s a little psychologically difficult for him, the guy read about himself in newspapers and magazines. I will advise him not to read newspapers and the Internet at night. In team actions, Dovbik looks good, there are no complaints about him in terms of the game. He moves a lot, creates pressure, always aims at the goal, but there is no filigree last pass to him. This is due to the fact that the team has changed by almost 70 percent and there is still no good mutual understanding, especially in attack. Therefore, sometimes Dovbik is on a starvation diet. But this is a matter of time.
Pikhalenok can disperse attacks well. This will be one of the keys for a positive result. Newcomer Blanco brings Argentinean charm and variety to Dnepr-1's game. He can create a masterpiece and arrange a holiday. Dnipro-1 in the Ukrainian Championship and European Cups are two different teams. A bad match with Cypriot AEK comes to mind. It was clear that Dnepr-1 was stronger in terms of the game, but haste, unforced mistakes and lack of confidence in one's own abilities led to defeat. For European cups, you need to develop a different mentality. If they can handle it, then everything will be fine.
In the Dnepr-1 championship, he is confident in his own abilities, he has not yet lost points. The team confidently beat Dynamo. Before the game, the main task for Kucher will be to set up the team so that it plays its own football and fulfills its requirements. If Dnipro-1 scores first, then it will be much easier to play. You can close and rely on counterattacks. I do not rule out that Dnipro-1 can be helped by a bit of luck. I bet on a tie. Dnepr-1 is playing very effectively now. I think it will be 2:2,” the expert said.
