Oleg Salenko: "For Dynamo, the Europa League is what we need"

Former Dynamo Kyiv striker Oleh Salenko commented on the White and Blues' game against Salzburg in the qualifying round of the Champions League playoffs, which ended 1-1.

- Many experts did not believe that Dynamo would be successful in reaching the main round of the Champions League. What result did you expect?

- I assumed so. I bet on a draw. My prediction was justified. "Salzburg played for a draw. There were no chances in the second half. And Dynamo doesn't have the strength to add to it at the moment. Before the game, I said that the Europa League is the right place for Dynamo, so let them prove themselves there. A 1-1 draw away from home is a positive result.

- Is this their level so far?

- "Dynamo looked good, there is a game, so there will be a prospect. The Europa League also has some decent teams: "Roma, Lazio, Manchester United. They will have a great run-in there and gain experience.

- In the first match, Salzburg played much stronger, but in this game they looked unconvincing.

- The Austrians came out to play for the result, there was no desire to crush the opponent from the first minutes. "Dynamo looked interesting for the first 10 minutes, offering the hosts pressure and aggression. If they played like that for the whole game, then we could count on a positive result. In the second half, there were no chances on goal.

- Shaparenko had a great chance to score in the 83rd minute and revive the intrigue.

- One point. Apparently, you need to create 3-4 to score. The Austrians waited for the onslaught of Kyiv, and in the first approach to the goal scored.

- Salzburg imposed their own game on Dynamo, especially in the second half : taking their time, playing moderately, slowing down the pace. "Dynamo fell for such a game.

- They were satisfied with the score 1-1, and we didn't have the strength to get going, to pick up the pace. Look, Yarmolenko sat down, we should have replaced him earlier, but there is no one to replace him with an equivalent. Those who came on did not enhance the game.

- When Dahim scored against Dynamo, he was surrounded by five defenders. So there is a problem with the defensive formation.

- When he scored, there were seven players in Dynamo's penalty area. In such cases, you need to play not by positions, but by players. There is a rule - an empty space does not score, but someone who needs to be blocked will score. You can see the problem in the one-on-one game. Again, Dubinchak, like in the game against Rangers, lost the opponent's left leg, allowed him to pass and shoot. We need to work and improve to avoid making such mistakes in the future.

- Well, at least Vanat was pleased to score a goal. This goal will help him gain confidence.

- He needs to play like this all the time and consistently. He opened up well in the box, received a great pass from Mykhailo, stretched it out and scored. This is a striker's game. I would note that the two defenders stretched too far apart, creating a wide corridor for Vanat. As you can see, Salzburg also has problems in defense.

- In general, despite the relegation, Dynamo's progress in the game is visible. Do you agree?

- Yes, I do. In the six matches of the previous stage, the team looked interesting. You can already see the training of how to get out of the opponent's pressure, how to press and quickly move from defense to attack. We still need to work on the realization of chances, and in the individual play of defenders. I like Dynamo's game. We can be optimistic about the future.

Serhii Shebek