Olexandr Shovkovskyi: «We played not with five, but with three defenders»

The head coach of Kyiv’s «Dynamo», Olexandr Shovkovskyi, commented on the victory over «Chornomorets» in the 14th round of the Ukrainian Championship during a broadcast.

— Why did you choose a tactic with five defenders for the match against «Chornomorets»?

— Perhaps you misunderstood. We chose a tactic with three defenders (smiling). And with a greater number of attacking players. Certainly, this scheme has specific opportunities, it adds creativity to our attack. I believe that under any circumstances on the football field, players must understand what they are doing and how to do it. I am satisfied with the team's actions in the first half and at the beginning of the second. Towards the end, it was a bit sloppy: an unnecessary foul that led to a conceded goal. And we had enough opportunities to score more.

— Buialsky was the best on the field today?

— We expect this from him. He is one of the leaders of the team, the captain, and he has to lead. His actions give confidence to the players. He played as a team leader should play.

— Do you have questions about the undisputed penalties?

— Yes, when you look at it, it seems that the ball hit his hand. With the presence of VAR, the referees have the opportunity to look more closely at a specific episode. I thought there was a foul on Buialsky, but I didn’t see the moment up close and from different angles.

— How well did Vivcharenko cope with the role of a half-attacking winger?

— We prepared for this game, and the players on the field gave their all. It was a bit uncomfortable for them, yet they still need to understand that we must change tactics to put questions to our opponents.

— What about Sebaliys? Why was there no room for him even among three defenders?

— And why exactly should there be a place for him? Is he privileged? He is not even training with us because he is recovering from an injury. He, Pikhaliok, Yarmolenko, and Shepelev. And I am not sure all of them will be able to return by the end of the year.

— But will Sebaliys stay with «Dynamo» after winter?

— We will talk about that after winter.

— Did the players manage to rest and regain condition during the international break?

— Those who were in my disposal got days off. Then we worked hard with considerable loads. And the guys who went to the national teams got match practice. They returned the day before yesterday. Then, weather conditions made certain adjustments to our work. I think the guys are in better shape now. Let’s see how it goes from here. We still have six very important matches.