Former Dynamo Kyiv defender Oleh Kuznetsov told us what he expects from his former team's first match against Partizan Belgrade in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, which will take place today in Lublin.
Oleg Kuznetsov- "This opponent is quite a match for Dynamo," said Oleh Volodymyrovych. "But, due to the fact that Partizan declares friendship with the Russians and participated in the tournament in Russia, there is more talk in the context of the upcoming confrontation not about football, which increases psychological pressure. The opponent will continue to put pressure in this way, and our team will respond. As for football, the Balkan school has always been good. The main thing for Dynamo is not to burn out, not to succumb to provocations.
- Did Dynamo manage to strengthen the squad in the offseason, and which of the newcomers can play an important role in the matches against Partizan?
- I think that Shovkovskyi will be relying on the first team from last season. Against Partizan, only one newcomer, Colombian defender Ceballos, has a chance to play and have a qualitative impact on the game.
- Doesn't Pikhalenok have a chance to become a starter at Dynamo?
- Both Shaparenko and Buyalsky play in his position, so I think Pikhalenok will start on the bench. We are counting on him more for the future.
- What is the current condition of Dynamo's national teams, and is it worth counting on them in full in the July matches?
- Ten days of rest is enough to get back to normal. From my experience, after a long season that ends with a major tournament, such as the European Championships or the World Cup, it takes about 20 days to recover. However, it is as it is. It is important that the national teams did not have time to lose shape after the European Championship. Shaparenko and Tymchyk were involved in Euro 2024 the most, and we will rely on them in the matches with Partizan.
- Will Dynamo feel really at home at the Polish stadium?
- Without a doubt, because our team is already used to playing abroad, and at home - without spectators. However, this time, in Lublin, I hope the arena will be filled to capacity and, given the absence of the visiting team's fans, Dynamo will receive strong support.
-During the training camp in Austria, Kyiv played three sparring matches with German clubs. Is the emphasis on readiness for power football, on the ability to get a result no matter what?
- Yes, because games with German teams are always useful, it is very valuable information for the head coach. You don't need to pay attention to the score of these sparring matches, because the Germans have just started preparing for the new season. However, I am sure that Dynamo's strength was definitely tested.
- What should be the strategy for the home match with Partizan?
- "Dynamo will not be able to actively press and maintain a high pace of play for the entire 90 minutes. Therefore, both teams will be waiting for someone to make a gross mistake, and this match will not be productive. The match in Lublin will be a reconnaissance, and everything will be decided in the second meeting in Belgrade. It will be held without spectators, which is very good for Dynamo.
Oleg Semenchenko
