Dynamo U-19 head coach Ihor Kostiuk commented on his team's home game against Vorskla Poltava and the minimal 1-0 victory of the Kyiv team.
Ihor Kostiuk (photo: fcdynamo.com)- It was an intense game. Basically, we expected the match to be like this. Our plan for the game was to withstand the opponent's pressure, because they usually start matches very aggressively. We withstood it, scored our goal, and in the second half we also had many moments when we counterattacked and when the game went on a different course. We attacked more sharply, but unfortunately, we did not score our goals, but we managed to win the match.
- How important was this victory emotionally after two draws?
- We talked to the guys about the fact that today would be a tough and important match, so we needed to get three points, because we had already lost a few points after drawing twice. We didn't set out to win at any cost. The players are progressing and are gradually beginning to understand at what speeds, with what aggression, with what dedication they need to work. Our rivals in the youth championship play with players born in 2004 - almost all of them use all five players of this age, while we play with performers 1-2 years younger. For them, the struggle and tension that is present in our matches is the key to their growth and a step forward in their careers.
- You recently celebrated your birthday. Can this victory be considered a gift from the team to you?
- No, a gift is when you play day in and day out. My birthday has already passed, and the working days have continued (smiles).
- Could you comment on Yanchyshyn's return and performance after the injury?
- Nazar has undergone rehabilitation, he works well in training, so we gave him the opportunity to play in the match against Vorskla. Today he added to our speed, but, of course, his game tone leaves much to be desired. It is clear that he still has a poor orientation on the pitch, but Nazar has a desire, and I think his game will improve.
- After Dynamo failed to convert a large number of chances, didn't you have any fears that Vorskla could have come back with a shaky 1-0 score in your favour?
- Of course, we were afraid, because we know that football is a game where if you don't score, they score on you. But it's good that we played reliably and didn't give the opposition any chances to score.
