Former head coach of Veres Yuriy Virt shared his conclusions on the results of the first play-off match of the Conference League qualification round between Dynamo Kyiv and Turkish Besiktas (2:3), which took place yesterday in Bucharest.
Yuri Wirth- The loss of Dynamo was very disappointing. "White-Blue", unfortunately, concede a lot, make mistakes in defence in elementary situations, when it is absolutely impossible to do so. This time three senseless goals flew into the gates of Dynamo. It all started with Popov's blunder in the episode when the ball flew to him for a long time - and it was a loss of concentration. Dynamo players also lost their attention during "standards" at their gates.
We would like to mark Dynamo for the game in attack. Kyivians scored two goals and wanted to press the opponent to win. However, they got a counterattack and a ricochet interfered not in our favour.
- But in general Dynamo showed a good game....
- Before the break Lucescu's team had more possession of the ball, but created almost no chances. The game did not go well for Besiktas either. In the second half Kyivians increased their speed, aggression, started to use the flanks more. It changed the game, forced "Besiktas" to defend. Such football performed by Dynamo frankly pleased.
Of course, I expected more from Besiktas. However, what cannot be taken away is the ability of this Istanbul team to realise their chances. They had four scoring chances, three of which Besiktas turned into goals.
- So, the devil is not as bad as it has been painted?
- Dynamo can handle this opponent. But another thing is worrying - such a dramatic and unfair denouement can significantly hit the psychology of Dynamo players. Our team will probably spend the time before the return match not in the best mood.
- Was Yarmolenko's absence felt?
- No, absolutely. Karavaev replaced Yarmolenko very successfully - he moved well, made quality passes and scored a goal. Karavaev played well in attack. Of course, the experienced Yarmolenko would not hurt Dynamo in this confrontation. So we expect him in the return match in Istanbul.
- What do you expect from the second game, and what are Dynamo's chances for the overall success?
- Besiktas has more chances. Kyiv team's defensive play continues to be alarming. Mistakes in defence cross out the titanic work of the team during the whole 90 minutes. Now Dynamo are looking for centre-backs, but the current defenders have been playing at the top level for more than a year and, it would seem, should act more confidently. And if in the UPL they do not forgive Dynamo for these mistakes, they will not forgive them on the Euro arena. I only hope that the guys will have a rest, analyse everything, and will act carefully in Istanbul.
Oleg Semenchenko
