Dynamo U-19 head coach Ihor Kostiuk commented on his team's3-0 victory over Vorskla Poltava in yesterday's youth championship match.
Igor Kostyuk. Photo — fcdynamo.com- What we managed to do today was to score our goals after quick attacks, which is what we planned. We analysed the opponent well, we controlled the ball, covered the areas well, and used our chances. We had counterattacks and scored three goals in the first half. But there are things that need to be improved. This is getting out from under the pressure, reacting to moments more quickly, coming out of the fights as winners. We talked about this with the guys, both in the first half and in the second half, there were such moments.
- How do you feel in Poltava, given that you used to play for this team?
- It's a bit different now, because you're a coach now, and it doesn't matter where you play, the main task is to win and improve the quality of our players.
- It is generally accepted that after a break for national team matches, matches are more difficult. Have you managed to avoid this?
- Yes, as you know, our team is a donor for all national teams, for the first team. Therefore, the preparation in this regard was a little incomplete, because many players were in the national teams, some players trained and played for the first team. But I'm glad that today we managed to convey this idea to the guys that every game is a game for three points, a game for the championship. Today we managed to balance it, we gave the players who were in the national team a day off. Everyone withstood the workload that was in the game.
- The last match was played on an artificial pitch at Dynamo's base. There's an artificial pitch here too, so was it familiar?
- We kept in touch with Vorskla, we knew that we would play on an artificial surface, so we prepared on an artificial one. But the sun is already shining, and we want to go out on the green pitch. But not all teams have the opportunity to play on natural turf, so we also adapt to what we have.
- Did the first goal scored in the second minute give you confidence?
- Yes, it gave us confidence. Again, I emphasise what we planned. We intercepted the ball in the centre of the pitch, switched to the opposite flank and completed the attack. What we demand when we intercept the ball is to have quick counterattacks. And we managed to score.
- There were a lot of set pieces, but we scored from the game. Were these set-pieces played out?
- I am pleased that in the first half we scored almost three goals, having realised all our chances. It's good that we scored these goals and converted them. We are working on it. I am glad that today we turned our attacks into goals.
