One of the most experienced football players of "Rukh" Oleksiy Dovhiy shared his expectations for the match against "Dynamo" in the 21st round of the championship of Ukraine. He is a member of the youth structure of Dynamo, but he has not played a single match for the main Kyiv team. And on Friday, April 14, at Arena Lviv, Rukh will face a team from the capital of Ukraine.
Oleksiy Dovgiy (photo: fkrukh.com)— "Dynamo" is my native club, I was brought up there, but I didn't have the opportunity to play for this team. I understand that only I am to blame for this - I should have worked harder and harder at a young age, invested more in myself. But in my younger years I thought a little differently. In general, Dynamo is always a pleasure to play with, because it is a brand of Ukrainian and European football. Yes, now this club may be experiencing a certain decline, they are betting more on the youth, on their pupils. All the same, some of the best young football players of Ukraine are gathered there. However, they have their own tasks, and we at "Rusa" have our own. So I will do my best to play successfully in the next match.
— The match of the first round against "Dynamo" ended in a 0:3 defeat. But until the first conceded goal, "Rukh" almost did not concede the game to the Kyivans. Any memories of that match?
— To be honest, it's hard to remember the details of that match now - it's been a long time, we've played a lot of games. Therefore, it is not necessary to particularly mention that meeting. Especially since now, I am sure, the Dynamo lineup will be half different, and we will also have other players take part in the match. So let's get ready, watch their latest games and I hope for some good entertaining football on Saturday.
— In the previous four UPL matches, you led "Rukh" to the field in the role of team captain. How do you feel in this status?
— When you go out with the captain's armband, you have to set an example for others by your actions on the field, so the responsibility is somewhat increased. But I'm not so young anymore, so I feel normal in this role. It's not that fundamental to me. And in general, our captain is Marco Sapuga, he is a very strong football player, now he is recovering from an injury, we miss him in the game, he is not behind his years of leadership qualities. With his attitude to work, great work capacity, I am sure he will grow into a very skilled footballer. We are all waiting for his return, he should be ready soon. And it is he who deserves to wear the captain's armband for the next matches of Ruhu.
— What is the atmosphere in the team now, how do you conduct training, preparing for a match with a very serious opponent?
— The atmosphere is normal, there is no panic. But we have a lot of young footballers in our team, they especially feel the pressure because we are at the bottom of the league table. However, I am sure that we will get out of this situation, rise up, because we actually have a good team, good young football players. However, psychology plays a very big role in football, and all this puts some pressure on young people. But they feel constant support from the club management and the entire coaching staff. Nobody pushes anything, we work calmly and do what the head coach asks us to do. I am sure that over time it will bring results, victories will follow. Therefore, we need to win somewhere, then we will gather courage and everything will be fine.
