Former Ukrainian national team player, now goalkeeper coach of LNZ Andriy Dikanь fully analyzed Andriy Lunin’s performance in the recent matches of "Real" for "UF".
Andriy Dikanь— After unsuccessful matches with "Barcelona" and "Milan", Lunin gained a boost of confidence by playing against "Osasuna". How can one maintain confidence under such circumstances?
— You can see that Andriy is calm. He is supported by the club in difficulties. We should not downplay the fact that Courtois played brilliantly after his injury. Lunin is currently in the process of developing his identity. He lacks some experience, but there is potential because "Real" trusts him rather than a third-choice goalkeeper.
— Based on your experience, how important is constant practice for a goalkeeper at this stage?
— If we look at the statistics, Andriy hasn’t played that much in six years at "Real". People often have more playing time by age 25 (53 matches, 59 conceded, 18 clean sheets over six years in Madrid — ed.). I don’t see anything alarming. It’s clear that at "Real" you are under constant pressure from others. But it is evident that Lunin is handling this. There are aspects he needs to work on, but "Real" hasn’t shown its best side in major matches either.
— Could the absence of authority to lead the stars of "Real" be a problem?
— Andriy should be conveyed this in the team. He gives hints and pushes. It’s probably difficult for anyone to say something to Rudiger, even Ancelotti (smiles). Lunin’s position forces him to manage this process.
— Could the Euro 2024 call-ups have affected Lunin and his confidence?
— The Euro is a thing of the past. Andriy gained negative experience from which he learns, and time shows that he knows what to work on. I really like his psychological state and how he prepares for games, calmly giving interviews.
— What helps a goalkeeper to overcome the burden of unsuccessful matches without getting psychologically trapped?
— Unfortunately, I don’t know Andriy personally, but from social networks and trainings, it is evident that he finds positivity in his family that is lacking in games. I don’t agree with you that failures follow him behind his kaleidoscope. I would say minor mistakes affect the result. But we know the example of Karius, whose mistakes demeaned him and he never returned to a top level. We don’t hear about him anymore. Andriy is handling these difficulties well, and he will make fewer mistakes in his game.
— In which components does Andriy need to improve?
— It would be unethical to say in detail. I can generally say that he needs to work on all aspects of the game. If he neglects small details and does not refine elements, the player will not progress.
Personally, I do not see which component of Lunin's game is lacking more than others. His footwork needs to maintain a certain level, especially at "Real". For a goalkeeper, the main thing is psychology. Andriy shows resilience in stressful situations and a potential that he will be able to demonstrate, whether at "Real" or another team.
— What are the peculiarities of self-improvement for a backup goalkeeper?
— I always tell my goalkeepers that we must constantly keep in shape. There is only one spot in the starting lineup, but in teams, there are usually 3-4 goalkeepers. You have to wait and be ready to take your chance.
— Is Andriy progressing at "Real"? It’s hard to give positive assessments based on the matches he plays...
— It’s a matter of chance. We would like Andriy to have more playing practice to see which aspects need improvement. We analyze him under a microscope, but these are isolated performances after interruptions and force-majeures with Courtois. Of course, for a goalkeeper, continuity is important.
Andriy understands that he currently does not have Kepa behind him and that in the absence of Courtois, he becomes Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice. Not everyone is lucky in life to participate in such big matches.
— What does a goalkeeper at 25 need to quickly rid himself of the mentality of a backup?
— He must set a high standard for himself, give his all to be ready to help at any moment. If you can’t wait, you need to change your approach.
— Lunin made the first assist by a "Real" goalkeeper in La Liga in the 21st century. This is far from the only case in top-level modern football, as well as in lower leagues where several assists by goalkeepers occur every season. Is this a consequence of a sharp change in the way goalkeepers work with the ball or some changes in the play of field players?
— This is a result of the work with goalkeepers that modern football requires. It is evident that the younger generation plays better with their feet. The fruits of this work are visible to the naked eye. It was a deliberate pass, not just a clearance forward.
— Why did Lunin stay at "Real"? Does it mean he is satisfied with the role of a backup?
— Andriy received a new contract, winning the competition against Kepa. Initially, he was not placed in the first position. Andriy is definitely not ready to accept being the second goalkeeper. His eyes show that he is determined to fight to the end.
— What should Lunin do? Should he fight for his chance to become a starter?
— Definitely worth it. Now is the best moment to seize the opportunity. Thoughts about changing clubs should be driven far away. They won't go anywhere, and good teams will always keep Andriy in sight.
— What do you think about the rumors that "Real" is already trading goalkeepers who might replace Courtois?
— Right now, Courtois is the first after Lunin (smiles). After serious injuries, it’s hard to return to a top level. Old merits at "Real" do not guarantee you a starting place. It’s great that Andriy has such competition, which doesn’t allow him to relax. It’s clear that they have gentlemanly competition in terms of gameplay.
Olexandr Karpenko
