Oleg Fedorchuk: «This “Dynamo” reminds me very much of the “Dynamo” from the 1994-1995 season. I urge everyone to be patient!»

The famous Ukrainian coach, now an authoritative expert Oleg Fedorchuk shared his impressions of yesterday’s match of the 5th round of the main stage of the Europa League between Kyiv “Dynamo” and Czech “Victoria” (1:2).

— Step by step, but “Dynamo” is improving its game, — noted Oleg Viktorovich. − There is progress, however, in two key positions the coaching staff of Kyiv needs to change the situation. I mean the attacking line, and of course the center of defense. In defense, specifically in the central area that evening, Mikhavko and Bilovaru had a rough time. I believe both conceded goals are on their conscience. Two serious mistakes, and as a result, 0:2 during the game, which made even a draw impossible.

— So, despite this, do you generally perceive the football played by the “white-blues” optimistically?

— Undoubtedly, because the dynamics of the team’s development are quite positive. Yes, the final result was disappointing, but during the two halves “Dynamo” maintained a good pace, Shaparenko and Buyalsky played well, and Kabayev made a magnificent substitution. The only thing that worried me and was noticeable is that with this new system of three central defenders, Popov and Mikhavko forgot about the nuances of such a game and often positioned themselves too closely to each other, not covering wider areas of defense.

— There were probably some disappointments as well...

— Yes. The flank players disappointed — VIVcharenko, and especially Karavaev. The scheme with three center-backs assumes greater freedom, especially for the wing-backs, and more active efforts from them going forward. However, VIVcharenko rarely went on the attack, and Karavaev played this match very passively.

— What do you say about Alexander Shovkovskiy’s substitutions?

— It was obvious that Vanat was practically out of this game. He should have been substituted earlier. When Guerrero appeared on the field, the attacking actions of Kyiv significantly sharpened. I have already said that Kabayev perfectly caught the rhythm of this game, and he also scored. He is currently in good form. I was surprised by Brazhko. Something is not right with him — either he had some injury, or he just wasn’t in tone. But this isn’t the Brazhko that was at the start of the season.

— “Victoria” seemed to score easily, unlike “Dynamo”...

— Most European clubs have their signature style. “Victoria” also has its trick — long passes forward, handling, winning positions, shooting, scoring. That’s it... All genius is simple! And “Dynamo” acts too complicated — through a whole group of midfielders, with obligatory numerous passes... The opponent, of course, manages to calculate and cover all this.

But most goals at such a level are scored after quick attacks. For instance, “Dynamo” had possession of the ball more than the Czechs. And what did that give? All these lateral and unnecessary passes... As practice shows, this is not connected to successful results at all.

— Was there an offside at the moment when “Dynamo” seemed to open the scoring?

— Unfortunately, yes. VIVcharenko, as far as I saw correctly, interfered with Shaparenko’s shot, who was not offside. But VIVcharenko was already in an offside position. Even despite this episode, I constantly caught myself thinking that “Victoria” could add at any moment, that the Czechs acted simply but effectively.

— How would you assess Alexander Shovkovskiy’s work, whose team lost five matches out of five in Europe, scored only one goal, and is at the bottom of the tournament table?

— This “Dynamo” very much reminds me of the “Dynamo” from the 1994−1995 season. It’s like a journey through time. That team also lost to everyone in a row, their game seemed hopeless, and their personnel policy was a failure. And there wasn’t any significant money back then, just like now. But then remember — what a generation of footballers eventually emerged at a good level, once and for all, and, I’ll note, even before Valeriy Lobanovskyi’s arrival.

As for Shovkovskiy’s work, I have no complaints. The normal process is underway, but I believe it’s essential to strengthen the attack in winter. Vanat and Guerrero need serious competition created. I urge all supporters of “Dynamo” to be patient! And this patience will be especially valuable now — against the backdrop of these frustrating defeats in Europe.

Oleg Semenchenko