Stepan Matviiv: "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar" are equal now. The one who wants it more will win"

Former head coach of Odesa "Chernomorets" and Donetsk "Metallurg" Stepan Matviiv shared his impressions of the match of the 3rd round of the main stage of the Europa League between the Italian "Roma" and the Kyiv "Dynamo" (1:0), and also talked about what he expects from the central match of the 11th round of the Ukrainian championship "Dynamo" — "Shakhtar", which will take place this Sunday in the capital.

— As various experts believe, for "Dynamo" right now, it will probably be the most important match against Donetsk "Shakhtar". Although every match this team plays is important, I think considering the match against the "miners", those players who should have played against "Roma" were not used. Alexander Shovkovsky, apparently, decided to save the main players and give the chance to those who spend less playing time in the Ukrainian championship and the Europa League.

Perhaps this rotation is related to involving all players and seeing what condition they are currently in. After all, it was evident that those people who, it seems to me, should have appeared in the "starting" against the Roman team did not play. It is necessary to approach the situation objectively, given that "Dynamo" is determined to fight with "Shakhtar" for the championship.

— How would you explain the fact that Dynamo lost all three matches in the main stage of the Europa League?

— First of all, it should be noted that the capital team played against quite serious opponents. And it is quite difficult, in my opinion, to look stable and successfully solve tasks on three fronts at the same time — the championship, the Cup of Ukraine, and the Europa League. Moreover, during a war period when logistics are of great importance. And although "Dynamo" currently has qualified footballers, the head coach has determined the main lineup and the rotation lineup for himself. So while preparing for the match in Rome, Alexander Shovkovsky still took into account the next match against "Shakhtar".

— What do you say about the match at the Roman "Stadio Olimpico"?

— "Dynamo" tried, but as for "Roma", it seems to me that they played with a reserve.

— What are your expectations from the "Ukrainian classic", as the match between "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar" is usually called?

— I think both teams are preparing very seriously for their encounter. "Shakhtar" is currently six points behind "Dynamo", so they are trying to catch up. Matches between these rivals always take place in uncompromising struggle, and I am sure that this Sunday’s match will not be an exception. I believe that the rivals are equal, but in this game, the one who wants it more will win.

— Doesn’t it seem to you that given the responsibility, tension, and principled nature of the match, everything can be decided by just one single goal?

— I think there will be more goals in this game.

Vyacheslav Kulchytsky