Vitaliy Kosovsky: «This defeat is a significant blow to the image of Dynamo»

Ex-midfielder of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Vitaliy Kosovsky, shared his impressions from the match of his former team against Hungarian Ferencvaros (0:4) in the 4th round of the main stage of the Europa League, which took place last Thursday in Hamburg.

— This is an incredible failure that led to a significant blow to the image of Dynamo. Although nothing foreshadowed such a fiasco: despite playing with a man down from the 17th minute, the Kyiv team controlled the flow of the game and created goal-scoring opportunities. Only the frame of the goal saved the visitors from problems after the shots of the nominal hosts on two occasions. But in the second half, the Dynamo players were unrecognizable.

— Still, most experts consider the main culprit of the rout to be the left defender of the Kyiv team, Vladyslav Dubinchak, who roughly attacked an opponent and was justifiably sent off the field.

— Dubinchak is said to be one of the tough defenders. But aggression must be controlled. In Hamburg, due to his reckless act, Vladislav left his teammates in the minority, which helped the guests seize the initiative and achieve an impressive victory. Yes, this can be attributed to Dubinchak's youth and emotions, but one must think, one cannot let down one’s team like that. Unfortunately, Vladislav's partners were not without sin either.

— What could explain the Dynamo players' helplessness in the second half?

— I don’t think their actions were affected by fatigue. Perhaps the quickly conceded goal after the break knocked the Kyiv team off their game. They needed to change their tactics to restore parity, but they lacked reserves for that. But worst of all, the “triangle” in the central zone worked poorly again: the stoppers Taras Mikhalko, Kostiantyn Bilovar, and the defensive midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko. The guests confidently engaged in challenges, and almost every one of their attacks was sharp. The Dynamo players helped them in this by often making mistakes in simple situations.

— Were there performers among the Kyiv team who could change the situation?

— I cannot find explanations for such spineless actions by the Kyiv players in the second half. Perhaps they were not motivated, although it is also possible that the current level of players in Dynamo is such that it is hard to count on victories in European competitions. Now everything is sad.

— Perhaps, after the fourth consecutive defeat in the Europa League, Dynamo should focus on performing in the UPL?

— To qualify for the Champions League? But I wouldn’t rush to write off Dynamo’s performance in the current Europa League. There are still chances to advance, although they are minimal. That’s why after returning from Hamburg, Kyiv players need to recover properly and try to surpass the ambitious Polessia on Sunday. It probably won’t go without rotation due to the psychological state of the Dynamo players after the rout from Ferencvaros.

And after the November break in the UPL caused by the national teams' matches, maximum efforts must be made to start making up for what was lost on the international stage. “Victoria” is not one of the top teams, they can be beaten if one demonstrates their best qualities.

Andriy Pisarenko