The midfielder of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Vladyslav Kabaiev, commented on his team’s defeat against the Czech Viktoria (1:2) in yesterday’s 5th round match of the group stage of the Europa League.
Vladyslav Kabaiev. Photo — Yu. Yuriev— The first goal of Dynamo in the Europa League this season is credited to you, but it was spoiled by the result. Did you shoot or cross the ball?
— There were many players there, I assisted. It was a half-cross, half-shot. I aimed, but I wouldn’t say I was targeting the ‘nine,’ rather the far corner. It went in well, but it doesn’t affect the result. No points will be awarded for that goal. It’s just nice. But you saw my face. I didn’t react, didn’t celebrate, because it doesn’t bring any points.
— There are three matches left, you can earn nine points. Are you hoping to break into the top 24?
— Of course, we are hoping. We will do what depends on us. Even Real Madrid cannot say that they will win all their matches. I and my team and my coach would love to win every match. But that doesn’t happen, probably. There are many examples. Look at Manchester City right now.
Somewhere… I wouldn’t say we’re unlucky, but something means we’re not working enough here. In training, everything seems to go well, but in the game — not everything. The last pass, the last shot… There is definitely room for improvement.
— When you came on, you boosted the performance when trailing. What did Shovkovskyi say?
— He didn’t say anything. I understood by myself what was required of me. I know what to do on the field. I came on from the right, and then I played on the left. We talked before the match with the coach about me coming on and boosting the performance. What I need to do—play forward, take on defenders, not be afraid to lose the ball — use everything.
— So you were supposed to be the joker?
— I had a minor injury. I told the coach before the match that I was in pain. Then Shovkovskyi decided whether I should play. He said he heard me and sent me on in the second half.
— What message would you like to send to the fans who support you regardless of the results in the Europa League?
— You know, many people write, regardless of our results in the European cups. I am very grateful to them for supporting the team, whether we’re on top or somewhere… I don't want to say it, but we have to state the fact… We are struggling. I am very thankful to them. And this is like a breath of fresh air for us.
Criticism will always be there. We need to pay attention to it but react rightly. So, thank you to all the fans for believing in us, and we will try to repay them with our performance.
