The renowned Ukrainian coach Roman Grigorchuk shared his impressions after the Europa League match of the fourth round Dynamo – Ferencvaros (0:4), which took place in Hamburg.
Roman Grigorchuk— Can this match be considered a plus for Dynamo despite the result?
— The hopes were high. I think that under different circumstances, the result could have been different. Everything turned out as badly as possible for Dynamo. It was quite tough. There is material for analysis, something to work on. The most important thing here is psychology, to maintain self-confidence after a negative result. Ferencvaros is a decent team, but Dynamo could have collected points. Even after the red card, Dynamo played well, but they weren’t lucky to convert their chances.
The second half was unsuccessful. For a long time, the team had to defend with a disadvantage, and sooner or later, it leads to conceded goals. In such situations, it is necessary to find ways not to play solely for defense but also to look for counter-attacking opportunities.
— How to honorably exit a situation when you play for over 70 minutes with a disadvantage? During your second term at Chornomorets, the team had such an experience.
— For us, at that time, the red card was the worst thing that could happen to the team because playing 1 vs 1, with a high pressing line, a red card completely breaks the style of play. I was personally interested in what ways there were to preserve our style. Playing with ten men and deeply defending is no guarantee of not conceding.
One option could be to switch to a game with three center backs, and the fullbacks had to attack strongly, having dribbling skills, playing 1 vs 1, to neutralize the opponent's advantage of one player. If Ferencvaros or not the entire team came out with legionnaires, in Dynamo, 4-5 guys are under 21 years old.
However, despite this loss, I see great potential in Dynamo. In today’s football, speed is a terrifying strength.
— Didn’t it seem to you that Ferencvaros, having a majority, was quite inert on the field?
— You asked a very serious question. As a rule, in the first 30 minutes, Dynamo played on equal terms. In the second half, everything changed. This aspect is inherent not only to Ferencvaros but to other teams as well. Subconsciously, you give yourself an edge. It is not easy to adjust your game and create increased pressure on the opponent who plays with a disadvantage in such a situation.
If Kabayev or Vanat had scored in that attack with the crossbar, it could have strategically flipped the game for Kyivans. After the break, Ferencvaros was on the field differently than in the first 30 minutes. But with a majority and with more experienced players, it's easier.
— How to close the gap between our clubs and foreign ones in the absence of results?
— I don’t even want to entertain the thought that we should now be glad solely for participating in the main stages of the European cups – by no means! There is potential in Dynamo to achieve higher results. And we must think mentally that even now we are no worse. Setting ourselves up that everything is fine with us.
I do not agree with those who talk about the weakness of the championship – look how our giants struggle with each opponent in the UPL. We must not underestimate the championship. Logistics – yes, it’s difficult, but these are working moments that should not serve as justifications.
This youth of Dynamo and Shakhtar must set themselves to achieve something with their clubs. This is the message I wanted to convey to our young stars. They need to think about football, believe in their own abilities, and work hard.
— How to convert such failures into experience that makes you stronger mentally?
— By no means can this defeat affect self-confidence. We must correct the mistakes and continue to work. From a young age, Ukrainian players must believe in their own potential, and clubs should achieve maximum results.
The best way is to study and improve every detail, but it's better to do it when the team wins. After such games, one should return home, analyze the game, break everything down to the tiniest detail.
— In such a game, can someone be singled out personally?
— In this game, 3-4 players can be highlighted, but I would rather not do that through a negative emotional state. Any excessive comparison will be incorrect. The guys need to help each other get through this defeat and step into the next game without this shadow. I have no doubt that everything will be fine in Dynamo.
— How to force yourself to go out for UPL matches after such matches?
— This problem is more for teams that do not often play in European cups. While working with Ventspils, we reached the UEFA Cup against Newcastle (0:1, 0:0). The gap was heavily felt. However, for the Latvian club, those were the best times; they rarely played in European competitions, especially against opponents from the EPL.
For Dynamo and Shakhtar, this should be a routine, and the people already know how to distribute emotions.
— What do you think of Shovkovskiy’s work at the helm of Dynamo?
— From my side, it would not be quite correct to discuss colleagues, especially an outstanding figure for our football in general. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him success at the helm of Dynamo.
— Half of the distance in the Europa League group has been covered. Is Dynamo able to improve its tournament situation?
— It is difficult to predict anything in football. To have the opportunity to fight on several fronts requires gathering a very well-equipped team. I think that Dynamo and Shakhtar are capable of doing this so that we look solid in Europe.
On the other hand, I understand teams that are focusing on the championship since it’s money from UEFA, points for the club ranking. I think that for both teams, first place and advancement to the Champions League is extremely important.
Olexandr Karpenko
