The former coach of Kyiv "Dynamo," Oleksandr Khatskevych, shared what he expects from the match of his former team against the Czech "Victoria" in the 5th round of the main stage of the Europa League, which will take place today in Hamburg.
Oleksandr Khatskevych- Can it be said that after the crushing defeat in the previous Europa League match against "Ferencvaros" (0:4), Kyiv "Dynamo" can already give up on its ambitions in the Europa League?
- When you have already gone half the way and have zero points, it is hard to count on anything. However, now there is an updated format for the tournament, and it is unclear how many points are needed to reach the European spring by the end. As long as there remains even a minimal chance, one must fight for it until the last.
- It feels like the Dynamo team and Shovkovskiy perform like they are at a ball in the domestic championship, while in European competitions they are learning together, taking tests, and not always successfully.
- This impression is indeed present. In the championship, "Dynamo" looks confident in both gameplay and results. Taking the last match against "Ferencvaros," the sending off of Vladislav Dubinchak played a role. The matches against "Lazio" and "Roma" were not failures, but there is still no result.
Perhaps, they should learn from "Victoria," which plays pragmatically for results, especially in away matches against PAOK and "Eintracht." Their team may concede two to three goals, but they also score that many.
It is clear that "Dynamo" finds it hard to adjust from UPL to European cups in terms of intensity, but from each game, they should take something new and move forward. In some ways, the Dynamo players need to feel more liberated and experience the same enjoyment from the game that they get during matches in the Ukrainian championship.
- The next opponent of the Kyiv team is "Victoria" (Pilsen). The Czechs have not lost yet in this Europa League, having defeated "Real Sociedad" (2:1), drawn with "Ludogorets" (0:0), PAOK (2:2), and "Eintracht" (3:3). What can be expected from Miroslav Koubek's side in the match against "Dynamo"?
- Czech teams stylistically resemble Ukrainian football from the past. I mean they rely on strength, tall players, long balls, constant battles, and recoveries. "Victoria" is a vivid representative of such a playing model.
I think "Dynamo" will control the ball more. But they need to not only be on the ball but also create chances, show aggression up front. The Kyiv team will hold the initiative, but they need to act attentively during transitional phases.
- Shovkovskiy has already experimented in this Europa League season when he played against "Roma" (0:1) with three central defenders. Perhaps it is worth trying the same trick in the match against "Victoria," which will impose many duels on the Kyiv team?
- Quantity does not always mean quality. What scheme will Sasha Shovkovskiy choose? It is hard to say. He is trying to play with three central defenders in the championship, practicing this option. This is yet another element of the team's and the coach's tactical flexibility.
If "Dynamo" plays with three center-backs, it means placing wing players high up and playing actively through them. In any case, we will only find out the coaching staff's decision regarding the scheme for this match tomorrow. The most important thing is that "Dynamo" has tactical variability.
- Which current "Dynamo" players resonate with you the most? Who is the true leader of the team today?
- There is also a certain contrast here. The same players look excellent in the Ukrainian championship, but practically dissolve in European matches. If we still name the leaders, they are Vitaliy Buyalsky, Heorhiy Bushchan, Denys Popov, Vladislav Dubinchak, and Vladislav Kabayev. These are experienced players of very good level. Yes, there is also talented Dynamo youth, but having experience in European competitions is quite important.
- So Mykola Shaparenko does not make it to your list yet?
- You know, a lot is said about Kolya... But this period, how he currently looks in national team matches and in "Dynamo" in European competitions... It feels like he lacks stability.
Yes, in the championship Shaparenko provided eight assists, scored three goals, but in European matches, where he needs to demonstrate leadership qualities, declare himself, there is a drop for Kolya. What this is connected with? I cannot answer that question.
- And Andriy Yarmolenko is still perceived as a leader of Shovkovskiy's team, but lately, the veteran of "Dynamo" has been spending more time recovering than playing. Do you think this is the last season for Andriy in professional football?
- Andriy has already left a significant mark on Ukrainian football. Not only in the club but also in the national team. Will he continue? You know, health is very important for a football player, especially for a player of such age. The decision is only for Yarmolenko.
But I can confidently say that in such matches as against "Victoria," Andriy would certainly be needed on the field. Unfortunately, we know that he has an injury now that prevents him from helping "Dynamo" directly in the game.
- Finally, I would like to hear your prediction for the match "Dynamo" - "Victoria." What do you think the score will be in the match in Hamburg?
- I want "Victoria" to have its first defeat, and "Dynamo" to have its first victory.
Vladislav Lyustyansky
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