Dynamo Kyiv defender Oleksandr Karavaev shared his expectations of his team's start in the main stage of the Europa League.
Alexander Karavaev. Photo — fcdynamo.com- Which opponents are you looking forward to the most in the Europa League?
- Italian Lazio and Roma, as well as Spanish Real Sociedad are my top three matches that I am looking forward to the most.
- And Galatasaray, because you used to play in the Turkish championship?
- We often played with Turkish teams in the European Cup. And we haven`t played with the three clubs I listed earlier.
- In your opinion, has Dynamo become stronger this summer?
- Yes, it has become. There is a combination of factors - we have a lot of newcomers, the old-timers also want to prove themselves. Last year we failed both in the Ukrainian championship and in the international arena. Each player has motivation, everyone wants to prove themselves.
- Who of the newcomers showed themselves best of all?
- Oleksandr Pikhalenok. I crossed paths with him earlier in the national team of Ukraine - he has great potential.
- Thefamous Optaplatform has calculated how many points a team needs to score to finish either in the top eight teams of the Europa League (it's 15 points) or take a place up to 24th inclusive (9 points). What can Dynamo Kyiv count on?
- We will set maximum goals - we want to be in the top eight teams of the Europa League. We will start the tournament and the picture will be clearer.
- Already in the second round Dynamo will play in Germany against Hoffenheim. How do you do with German teams in European cups?
- Not very well, I often lost to teams from the Bundesliga when I played for Zorya and Dynamo. Now there will be an opportunity to rehabilitate.
- Eight opponents for your team in the Europa League is the optimal option for today, or would it be better to play in the Champions League?
- Of course, it would be more difficult to play in the Champions League, but there are more challenges there. However, we have what we have.
- In the Ukrainian championship Dynamo is in first place, and the gap from Shakhtar is already six points. Hasn`t it been like this for a long time?
- Under Lucescu we had a good season, when we became champions of Ukraine. Then the gap was also decent +7 points. Now we need positive emotions. We have enough strength to play on two fronts. The fans will be very interesting. There will be a lot of soccer until May, then we will have a rest.
