Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Benito commented on his team's 1-1 match against Rukh in the 21st round of the Ukrainian championship, which took place last Friday in Lviv.
Benito. Photo by A. Popov- Benito, what were your impressions of the game?
- I can say that we met a good opponent who defended well. It wasn't easy to break their defense, although we eventually succeeded. But unfortunately, just before the break, we conceded an unnecessary goal after a mistake in defense. After that, it was easier for the opponent to build their game from defense.
- So, did Rukh's goal change the course of the game?
- After the opponents equalized, they gained confidence. When the opponent gains this confidence, it becomes more difficult. We tried to score the second goal, but failed. They started playing from the defense and on the counterattack. In the first half we did well and scored a good goal, but in the last minutes we lost concentration for some reason, which led to a missed goal that changed the game.
- Was your assist to Vanat a set piece?
- Yes, we worked a lot on such combinations in training. When I received the first pass from the defender, I immediately looked up and saw Vanat moving forward. He was winning the position from the opponent, and I quickly passed to him, so he just had to hit the goal.
- You regularly take the field in the matches of the spring part of the season. Do you feel that you have already joined the team's tactical schemes?
- As for my personal game, I feel that I can give the team more. I am sure that goals, assists, and victories will come. I just need to concentrate and work hard.
I hope that this assist is just the beginning. Of course, I am pleased that I scored today, but I believe that I can do much more good. In this final part of the season, we must try to get the most out of every game, because we are fighting not only for the championship, but also for the distribution of places in European competitions.
- Did the winter training camp become fruitful for you in terms of interaction with your partners?
- Indeed, these offseason training camps gave me confidence. The coach made it clear that he was counting on me and persuaded me to stay in the team. I think it was the right decision for me. I'm trying to do my best to benefit the team.
The control matches during the training camp helped us to play better together, to feel each other, and personally I better understand how we play passing, how we act in the midfield. It really helped me. Now we need to focus on the final part of the season.
- The so-called "Ukrainian classic" is ahead. What are your expectations from this match?
- It will be an interesting match, the confrontation between Dynamo and Shakhtar is really a "classic". All we have to work on now is to win this game for the sake of our fans. If we win, we will get closer to them, closer to the top two. We have to give it our all, fight on the field. This is more than just a game, because it is very important for our fans. We have to show that we are the best and dedicate the victory to our supporters.
