Well-known Ukrainian coach and expert Oleg Fedorchuk analyzed the match of Kyiv’s Dynamo against Budapest's Ferencváros in the Europa League.
— The match was ambiguous for Shovkovsky’s team. A decent first half, lots of chances created, despite playing with fewer players, but a collapse in the second half. Can we say that the Dynamo players couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game and paid for it?
— I also noticed that Dubinchak’s expulsion played a decisive role. If it hadn’t happened, the match would have gone quite differently. But in reality, it’s not so simple.
Let’s analyze the last two matches of Dynamo: 30 terrible minutes against Shakhtar (1:1) — there should have been at least three goals conceded there, and a bad stretch against Ingulec (5:2), when only Kyslenko had three chances. Therefore, it’s worth understanding that currently, the Kyivans are not a bastion of stable and good play throughout the match.
In the first half against Ferencváros, the Dynamo players allowed shots on Buсhchan's goal. If these shots exist, it means someone somewhere didn’t do their job. Therefore, the reason for the failure is not the expulsion. Firstly, Dynamo’s midfield has drastically dropped in performance, and secondly — the inexperience of the central defenders who are playing more due to emotions. Unfortunately, but 0:4 is a logical result.
— Although Ferencváros themselves — are absolutely equal opponents who do not demonstrate anything extraordinary…
— Yes, they are not stronger than Dynamo, but the Kyivans are not currently in their best condition. The Hungarian team is composed of experienced players and legionnaires. The club has a good financial level, allowing for decent transfers. Ferencváros is a seasoned mid-tier European team. And it seems to me that there is another reason for this defeat.
— What is it?
— The coaching staff heavily emphasized the psychological aspect: struggle, determination, and the like. After all, you have to build the game based on your capabilities. Dynamo started playing nervously, and after the expulsion, they acted recklessly, like a young boxer who took a hit and decided to exchange blows but couldn’t keep up with the pace. They shouldn't have played as if nothing happened. It's necessary to understand that a team with fewer players cannot withstand such speeds. It played a cruel joke.
— So, should the Dynamo players have played for a draw?
— They needed to 'tie' the game, act simpler, disrupt the rhythm of the game, commit minor fouls to prevent the fast Ferencváros players from having space to maneuver, and rely on their own counterattacks at the end. Now Dynamo plays in the style of a youth team: unpredictable and with excessive emotions. It’s clear that Shovkovsky was very agitated and was counting on a positive result in this game. There was a lack of rationality in actions and calmness. I really want Shovkovsky to succeed at Dynamo; he is a smart man.
— What are the prospects for Maksym Dyachuk, who has little playing time after recovering from injury?
— Dyachuk has prospects at Dynamo. But it should be remembered that he had a serious injury. I had experience working with players who went through similar situations. There is quite a delicate moment related to psychology. After such injuries, defenders try to avoid tough tackles and do not engage in battles as actively. Dyachuk needs to go through this trial.
— Now Dynamo — is the worst team in the Europa League and Eurocups overall, while upcoming matches against Viktoria (Plzen), Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, and RFS lie ahead. Shovkovsky’s team's prospects look very doubtful.
— Prestige for the club is, of course, important, but we need to be realists. We need to focus on domestic competitions to become champions and win the Cup.
If Dynamo even wins a few of its matches in the Europa League, but does not take gold medals, who will need those few points in Eurocups? Everyone will forget this fiasco in Eurocups if the team becomes champion. If Dynamo wants to achieve something in Eurocups, it must have experienced center-backs, as it is very hard to play on this position with young players.
Vladislav Lyustyansky
.