Kyiv “Dynamo” defender Taras Mikhavko commented on his team’s defeat to the Roman “Roma” (0:1) in yesterday’s match of the 3rd round of the main stage of the Europa League.
Taras Mikhavko. Photo — A. Popov— We were surprised by the tactics. Why did Alexander Shovkovsky choose such a lineup and such a scheme with three defenders?
— We practiced this. This decision was made by the coaching staff, so we followed their instructions. We prepared for this scheme after the match with “Obolon.” But we also worked on it during the recent international break — the players who remained at the club did this.
— We almost managed to contain Dovbyk except for the moment with the penalty. Did you pay special attention to preparing for Artem?
— Of course, there were moments where we were told how to play. Therefore, we all knew. We already knew that Dovbyk is a very good striker, so it was supposed to be not easy.
— Did Popov have the task to play against him personally?
— There wasn’t exactly such a task. Denis was closer to the center, played in the center. And that’s why it turned out that Popov often played against him.
— That moment for which the penalty was awarded. Have you reviewed it already? Do you think it warranted a spot kick?
— You can say that it warranted. I slightly touched him by his shirt by inertia, knocked him off balance. So yes.
