Last Tuesday, August 27, in the return match of the Champions League qualifying round, Dynamo Kyiv drew 1-1 away to Salzburg Austria and, on the basis of the sum of two meetings (0-2, 1-1), dropped out of the tournament, moving on to the main stage of the Europa League. Here is the post-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian team Oleksandr Shovkovskyi.
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi- What did Dynamo lack today to achieve a positive result?
- The players tried to do their best today. And I think you can't blame the team for not having the desire. I thanked the guys, they spent a lot of energy today. To answer your question directly, we lacked the result of the first match.
- How would you generally assess the team's performance in the Champions League qualifiers?
- We will certainly analyze this performance. This is a completely different level, these are Champions League matches. And I will repeat that I am proud of the team, their attitude, their attitude, their work. We tried to do our best, we pressed the opponent at the beginning of the game, but unfortunately, we missed the counterattack again and conceded the ball, although we had chances.
Of course, this is a huge experience, many players play on the international stage for the first time, they saw that it is a completely different level, higher speeds. This is what we strive for in our work to improve our actions - both individual and team actions. I have always told my mentees that the only person you have to look back at is yourself in the past. The only person you have to be better than is you in the present.
I think we have definitely made a big step forward, and I also think we are on the right track. We have to keep going. After the failure of last year's performance on the international stage, I think we have made a huge step forward, and then everything is just beginning - I am sure of it.
- There are a few days left before the transfer window closes. Will there be any more transfers at Dynamo?
- There is nothing to talk about until these transfers are completed. The selection service works constantly, there are certain difficulties, but there is no point in saying anything in advance.
I also can't help but mention how last night went in Ukraine. In particular, the hotel where the team always stayed when they traveled to Kryvyi Rih for matches is almost non-existent. People have died. These are our realities today. Of course, we want this war to end as soon as possible, of course, with our victory, so that we can return to a normal, full life.
Once again - Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Glory to Ukraine, and a peaceful and quiet evening to all of us.
