Defender of Dynamo U-19 Maxim Korobov commented on the preparation for the return match of the UEFA Youth League Round 2 against Slovenian Maribor.
Maxim Korobov (photo: fcdynamo.kiev.ua)— Preparation for Maribor continues, today we held the final training session. What have you been working on?
— We haven’t particularly practiced anything, of course, it was a pre-game training session. We trained to keep the spirit high, worked on shots. We will continue to prepare.
— A few days ago you were in Kyiv, then trained in Lublin, and now you are already in Maribor. How fast everything changes…
— Yes, everything changes quickly. A bit exhausted, of course, but still full of strength. We will continue to prepare. All these circumstances do not affect us morally, that’s for sure.
— The first match ended in a draw — 1:1, although there were many chances for victory. Before the return match, are you working specifically on shots to break through the opponent's defense?
— Yes, indeed, in the first match we took 30 shots at the opponent's goal, but got nothing out of them. So, we are certainly working on our shots, I hope tomorrow we will have better efficiency and win.
— How do you personally prepare yourself? Maybe you have some special methods?
— No, nothing special. I just try to keep myself in a good mood and in fighting readiness before matches.
— How big is the difference between the Ukrainian championship and the UEFA Youth League?
— Of course, in the UEFA Youth League there is a greater sense of responsibility, it adds pressure. But I can’t particularly say anything about Maribor, nor would I place the Slovenians above the opponents in our domestic youth championship.
— How will you be preparing yourself tomorrow to win?
— Not particularly. To be in good shape, you need to sleep well, I’ll listen to music and cheer up the team, give a good mood. Of course, we are only waiting for victory.
