Dynamo Kyiv defender Oleksandr Karavayev has shared his expectations for his team's start in the main stage of the Europa League.
- " I can say that for me, as a player, matches in European competitions, especially at this stage, are always a pleasure ," Oleksandr Karavayev began the conversation. " Playing matches only in the domestic arena is not enough. Usually, you want more - matches for the national team, matches in European tournaments. That is, you want to play everywhere and constantly feel this rhythm. To fulfill certain goals and objectives that your team and you personally have.
-How do domestic matches differ from matches in international tournaments nowadays?
- Let me put it this way: each tournament has its own level and its own tasks. For example, when you play for the national team, you represent your country, where everyone watches and supports you, regardless of which club you represent. In European competitions, you gain European experience by playing against players from different countries. And in our national championship, you test your level against players who play in Ukraine. That is, you have several levels where you strive to become better.
- Tell me frankly, did you follow the draw for the main round of the Europa League?
- To be honest, not really. But I liked the procedure. In five to ten minutes, they pressed a button and showed you who your opponent was.
- Which of Dynamo's future rivals did you feel the most excited about?
- Of course, Lazio and Roma. I can't say that I followed Italian football very much, but when Ruslan Malinowski joined Atalanta, of course, I started to follow Serie A a little more - it's a very strong league.
- Is there any disappointment that none of the English teams got you?
- Yes, of course. I wanted to play with some of them. I have played with English teams in my time (in 2016, as a Zorya player, I played against Manchester United - ed.) I have only pleasant memories and feelings.
- Do you make predictions? And how do you assess Dynamo's chances in the upcoming matches?
- I don't like to make predictions. Any team always has a chance before going on the field.
- Which team did you have a personal desire to play with?
- I wanted to play with Real Madrid. It was at their stadium. This is my personal wish. Unfortunately, this season we are playing in different tournaments.
- What do you know about the stadium in Hamburg, where Dynamo will play its home matches in the Europa League?
- I don't know anything about it. I know that Shakhtar played at this stadium last season. I know that Wladimir Klitschko once boxed there against David Haye.
- Have you spoken to Shakhtar players about the state of the lawn at the Hamburg Arena?
- No, I haven't talked to them yet. I think all European arenas and their lawns are in good condition.
- How do you like the new format of the European Cups? It seems that you will not have any rest at all now?
- It's not a big deal. It's great when you have a lot of matches, when you are constantly in the game tone. For me, it's better when I play not one, but two games a week.
- But you will have to play 18 games in less than three months?
- It's very good. This is not the same schedule as in England, Spain and Italy. There can be 25-30 games in 90 days.
- There is a forecast that Dynamo should score at least 12 points in the main round of the Europa League. Do you agree with it?
- I'm not going to say anything. Let's see what happens. But my expectations are very positive.
- Can you name the easiest opponent for Dynamo?
- There are none. At this stage, there can be no easy opponents.
- And the hardest?
- There is none either - everyone is equal.
- Have you personally talked to Dovbyk about the confrontation with Roma?
- No, I haven't. It so happened that I wasn't in the national team the last time, so I didn't manage to talk to Artem on this topic.
- You played against Dovbyk more than once in the Ukrainian league, and you also trained with him in the national team and during Dynamo's charity tour. Can you name the strengths and weaknesses of the main Ford of the Ukrainian national team?
- I won't talk about them. I will only say that he is a very strong football player. Otherwise, he would not have become the best scorer in La Liga and would not have joined Roma. Artem has a lot of strong qualities.
- Will it be important for Dynamo's players to make sure Dovbyk doesn't score?
- I wouldn't say that it's important, but it will be difficult against him, for sure. In general, I would not like any of the opponents to score goals against us.
Oleksandr Petrov