Former Ukraine forward Ivan Getsko shared his expectations from today's match between Dnipro-1 and Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifiers with Komanda1 .
- First of all, it should be noted that the opponents are now in roughly the same shape, as the season in the UPL and the Greek Super League has not yet started. Although I was a little surprised that there were no eminent names among the Dnipro's sparring partners during the preparatory period. But this was the choice of the Dnipro-1 coaching staff, perhaps they are of the opinion that the main thing is winning results that would give confidence, and who they beat does not matter much.
- Despite the disappointing predictions of many experts, Dnipro managed to keep their striker Artem Dovbyk in their ranks...
- Of course, we should pay tribute to Dnipro's management, who convinced Dovbyk of the need to extend his contract. If Artem had left, I don't even know who would have played at the forefront of the attack at Dnipro-1. It's hard to believe, but the Dnipro team simply don't have a qualified forward anymore! On the other hand, Dovbyk's importance should not be overestimated, because he is not one of those players who can decide the fate of a match on his own. And his performances on the international stage are not impressive at all.
- Do you think Dovbyk will score today?
- It's hard to say, because I don't know what tactics the managers of Dnipro-1 and Panathinaikos will adopt. Although we can predict that the Greeks will try not to give Artem space. You know, I sometimes feel funny when I open one of the reputable portals and see how the price of Dovbyk is increasing every time. It has now reached 15 million euros, but he hasn't improved his game! I will only be in favour if he scores today, let him not leave the field without a goal in the second leg, and then forces the goalkeeper of the next opponent - Marseille - to capitulate. Then I will say that Dovbyk can really do something.
- Recently, Dnipro-1 has been actively buying players with Ukrainian passports. Will it bring any dividends?
- There is no other way to strengthen the squad, because it is very difficult to sign a renowned legionnaire because of the Russian aggression. That's why we have to rely on homegrown players. I don't think they will help Dnipro much in the international arena. Rather, they will simply intensify the competition for a place in the starting line-up.
- Can the fact that the starting whistle in Kosice will be blown at 21:00 Kyiv time, while Dnipro started sparring much earlier, play a negative role?
- I am convinced that Oleksandr Kucher took this into account and held his last training sessions late in the evening. The adaptation factor cannot be underestimated.
- Then finally, who do you prefer in the Dnipro-1 vs Panathinaikos match?
- As for me, a draw in Kosice will be a good result for Dnipro. And on the opponent's pitch, we will have to get ready to jump above our heads and tip the scales in our favour. Just don't forget that the Greeks will have the fierce support of 12 players at home. That will make it all the more enjoyable to win...
Vasily Mikhailov