Former Dynamo Kyiv forward Oleh Salenko shared his impressions of the return match of his former team with Belgrade Partizan (3:0) in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League, and also assessed the prospects of the Bilo-Syni in the confrontation with Scottish Rangers at the next stage of the tournament.
Oleg Salenko- Everything was clear in the confrontation with Partizan after the first match, " Salenko said. - The team from Belgrade has no quality Serbian players, all play abroad. And others, especially foreigners, are very mediocre performers. What is worth only the first goal, which Partizan defenders brought to themselves exclusively by themselves. After that, there was only one question: how many more goals will Dynamo score? The main thing is not to relax too much after that, because the games with Rangers are ahead.
- What will be the difference between Partizan and Rangers? What to expect from the team from Glasgow, for which you once played?
- The difference will be in intensity. Against the Serbs Dinamo played calmly, measured. But in the matches with Rangers we will have to run - from the first to the last minute, run a lot - to the point of exhaustion. According to my information, Rangers are already actively preparing for the group stage of the Champions League - without looking back at the opponent that will fall to them in the 3rd round of qualification, with full confidence that the task will be accomplished. The club from Glasgow has good financial opportunities, and they are now strengthening the squad quite significantly. We should know that Rangers are so determined.
- The starting lineup of Dynamo for the return match with Partizan didn`t surprise you? Before the game there were assumptions that a lot of young Dynamo players would take the field.
- I didn`t think so. We saw some Dynamo newcomers in the starting lineup, and the veterans came out - Yarmolenko and Buyalskiy. We could assume that Brazhko would not play. However, it is much more interesting who will prepare for the first match with Rangers... It is clear that Yarmolenko will not play from the first minute against the Scots, it is difficult for him to keep a high pace. Andriy will be enough for 15-20 minutes against Rangers, so we should expect him to come on as a substitute.
In general, I would like to note that Dynamo have a team for the Champions League. Unfortunately, the center of defense remains a problem area for the Bilo-Syni. Popov and Dyachuk became a more or less playable pair, and then such a shame - Maksym's injury.
- Do you think that Dyachuk will not be back in time for the games with Rangers?
- I know what it is to dislocate the shoulder - I had a similar injury. It is a few months without soccer... Now I can`t imagine who will replace Maxim Dyachuk.
- Pikhalenok came out in the starting lineup. How do you like his game?
- He is still learning Dynamo soccer, getting used to it. Here he does not go forward as in Dnipro-1, he is more of a point guard. That is why he was given the opportunity to adapt as much as possible, and the return match with Partizan suited him best.
- Has Dynamo gained a hundred percent confidence in their abilities?
- It is important not to think that Kyiv have already achieved something... Taking into account that the matches with Rangers will be much more intense, the substitutions will play a significant role. The current Dynamo squad allows making personnel adjustments to the game without any problems. Andriyevsky and Kabaev are able to strengthen the team, if they don't play in the starting lineup. But Lonwijk is already yesterday's day, he should be given somewhere. But where? Who will want to take him with such a salary?
I think that Bragaru and Rubchinskiy will not be involved in the confrontation with the Rangers. All hopes are on them at the next stages of the competition, including - in the UPL. Therefore, the whole calculation on the players who participated in the preparation and in the game with Partizan - and this is 17-18 performers.
- What are the specifics of preparation for the matches with "Rangers"?
- Remembering the travels that would await Dynamo in case of their return to Ukraine, the Bilo-Syni leadership and coaching staff quite logically decided to postpone the first rounds in the UPL, and prepare for the matches with Rangers in Poland, in Lublin. This will significantly save energy, which is very important.
Kyiv team should not be afraid of the trip to Glasgow. It is clear that the Scots will put pressure on Dynamo there, including with the help of filled stands. But, as the game with Partizan in Lublin showed, active and emotional spectators in the stands are only a plus for the Bilo-Syni. We need to get used to it and keep ourselves in tone.
Oleg Semenchenko
