On Wednesday, August 21, Dynamo Kyiv will face Salzburg Austria in the first match of the Champions League playoffs. The legendary player of the White and Blues Oleksiy Mykhailychenko shared his expectations from the match.
Oleksii Mykhailichenko. Photo by V. Rasner- Rangers called me after the draw, before Dynamo's first game against Partizan. The Scots were confident that we would beat the Serbs. Knowing that I was in London, they invited me to the return game between Glasgow Rangers and Dynamo. I gladly accepted and went. It's a pity that we didn't play at Rangers' home arena, Ibrox, but it was probably better for our team. But I did visit Ibrox - the day before the game I met with Ukrainians who are now in Glasgow with their children. I talked to them and gave them an interview.
- Have you met any of your teammates with whom you played together at Glasgow Rangers?
- You know, strangely enough, I didn't see any of them at the match. The fans are another matter. Despite the fact that I finished playing for Rangers a long time ago, I was approached by older Scots who remembered my performances. However, much younger fans also came up to me, probably because they had been told about me by the club's longtime supporters. Communication with them and Ukrainians left me with very pleasant feelings.
- What can you say about the city itself?
- Compared to the years when I played there, a lot has changed in Glasgow. In my opinion, not for the better. It was hard for me to recognize it.
-What were your feelings when you visited the holy of holies of the Scottish club - the Ibrox Stadium?
- It was nice to step onto the pitch of this arena once again. It's just a pity that I didn't have the opportunity to feel the unforgettable atmosphere I got used to during my time playing for Glasgow Rangers. But I repeat: it was better for Dynamo, because Hampden Park is not the same home stadium for Rangers as Ibrox. In the club arena, everything is close, there are no running tracks. That's why it was better.
- It played at least some percentage in favor of the Ukrainian team...
- Actually, we're no strangers to it. It so happened that because of the war, Ukrainian clubs and national teams play all their international matches on foreign soil. And you probably get used to it a little bit too.
- What were your impressions of the Rangers vs. Dynamo match?
- The first half was very nervous. We all saw it. Although there could be no doubt that the game would be a battle. But it's good that our guys withstood this first half, and after the break, when Jeftje was sent off, the victory was a matter of time. The substitutions made by Oleksandr Shovkovskyi and his coaching staff strengthened the game.
- It turns out that being in the return match turned out to be lucky for your home club Dynamo?
- Have I ever been unlucky for them(smiles)? I'm very glad that Dynamo managed to defeat Rangers and advance to the next round.
- What are your expectations for Dynamo's duel with Salzburg of Austria?
- It will be a very difficult game with this opponent. But I believe that our guys will be able to take another step towards the main round of the Champions League. This is very important - for the club, for the fans, and for the whole of Ukraine. Therefore, we wish them inspiration and that they can show their best. And good luck to us, I wish everyone victory and peace. This comes first. It is a great desire of the whole of Ukraine, Europe and the world. I really hope for it.
Andriy Pysarenko
