Ukrainian coach Ruslan Kostyshyn analyzed the 1-1 draw in the first match of the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League between Dynamo and Rangers.
Ruslan Kostyshyn- It was the first time since Ukraine's independence that Dynamo played against a Scottish team in European competition. What do you think about the current rival of the capital's club , Glasgow Rangers?
- Before the first game, some experts said that Dynamo and Glasgow Rangers play two different styles of football. I wouldn't say that. Glasgow Rangers players prefer combination football, they don't like to make long passes, which used to be typical for Scottish football. And our rivals are coached by a well-known Belgian specialist Philippe Clement. He has worked in different European countries and was able to instill in his current wards a fairly competent, attacking football. I remember that in the spring, only the Portuguese Benfica knocked Glasgow Rangers out of the 1/8 finals of the Europa League.
- Before the game, Dynamo coaches had a big problem - Dyachuk's injury. He was replaced by young Mykhavko. How did you like the game?
- In general, Taras played quite confidently. Yes, there were some mistakes, but all players make mistakes. In a match of this level and intensity, Mykhavko looked decent. But the fact that Dynamo's coaches have a problem because of an injury to one player is just strange.
- How would you assess the actions of Dynamo's players in the first half?
- Dynamo tried to play offense, as they did in the games against Partizan. The match turned out to be very combative, there were a lot of martial arts, but I didn't notice any particular brutality. Most of the matches under Shovkovskyi, Dynamo players play like that. Yarmolenko's goal was quite good. An interception in the center of the field and a quick flank attack.
- By the way, how do you like the game of the team's veteran Andriy Yarmolenko?
- I liked his competent actions. The most important thing is that he does not lose the ball even under pressure. For me, he is the MVP of the match. We all remember how he suffered a serious injury last season. Andriy recovered for a long time and really wanted to get fit for the European Championship. At the moment, Yarmolenko looks quite good, it is clear that he has worked hard during the training camp.
- What happened in the second half?
- "Glasgow Rangers slowly began to outplay our players. The game was on the opposite courses, but it seemed to me that Dynamo began to defend the 1-0 score. It would have been great for them before leaving for Scotland. But I think the guests played for the goal.
- In the 69th minute of the match, Shovkovskyi replaced two creative midfielders - Shaparenko and Pikhalenko. Did this greatly affect the course of the match in the last 20 minutes of the game?
- Probably. I was also surprised by these substitutions. We all know how creative players Pikhalonok and Shaparenko are. Oleksandr and Mykola are skillful with the ball, they can score a goal. When necessary, they will hold the ball and calm the game down a bit. Why did these substitutions take place? In addition, Lonwijk and Buyalsky, who replaced them, were not able to fully express themselves on the football field.
- How did you like the performance of Dynamo's only forward, Vanat?
- Vladyslav did his best, he also had an assist. Let's not judge Vanat's performance based on just one match. Let's draw conclusions over time. In addition, we know that Vladyslav is a fairly high-scoring striker in the UPL. Yes, this is the Champions League, where it is more difficult to prove yourself, but it is also more interesting what the Dynamo forward will be able to show in Glasgow.
- What do you think are Dynamo's chances of qualifying for the playoffs?
- Now it doesn't matter to any Ukrainian team whether they play at home or away. And the away goal rule has already been canceled. I have faith that Dynamo will get past Glasgow Rangers. And the fact that there will be a full stadium in Scotland is great. With such an audience, I want to show my best.
