Former defender of Kyiv «Dynamo» Oleg Kuznetsov shared his expectations for the first European cup matches of Ukrainian clubs this year (Galatasaray – Dynamo in the Europa League and Shakhtar – Brest in the Champions League).
Oleg Kuznetsov— This period for Shakhtar and Dynamo is very specific, as our clubs have never held official matches in January, — noted Oleg Volodymyrovych. — Of course, two weeks of preparation is very little… It will be difficult for our teams, while for the opponents, it is a significant advantage.
— Based on your experience of winter training camps, what can you say about their specifics? That is, what can be done specifically in January?
— Usually, our teams in January laid the foundation of physical readiness for the entire second half of the season. Now both Shakhtar and Dynamo will have to, in essence, rely on the fact that the players have maintained their form since December, and in these January days, they are just keeping fit. Thus, the Champions League and Europa League matches will practically become part of the preparation for the second half of the season.
— Dynamo has managed to play five friendlies, while Shakhtar has played three. Is this enough for a return, or to maintain game tone?
— Not enough. These matches were played under training loads, and serious daily sessions continue. There were also two friendlies a day with different line-ups, as there is little time, and the coaches need to understand the condition of the players.
— I’ve heard from fans something like this: maybe it’s not worth going to Istanbul, let them count Dynamo's technical loss, and 0:3 is not the worst option in this case…
— It is clear that Dynamo has no tournament tasks left in the Europa League, but that same match with Galatasaray can be seen as a good friendly, as excellent experience for Dynamo's young players. Dynamo will definitely not play just to participate… The bet will be on the result.
— Galatasaray is impressive now — they are leading in the Turkish championship and have quite a quality star squad…
— This is a normal opponent. Yes, the Turkish championship is among the top ten strongest in Europe, but I do not see anything extraordinary in it. There can be no talk of expecting any kind of rout. I think we will see an even game in Istanbul. In Dynamo's squad, there are already enough experienced players who won't be intimidated by Galatasaray and its passionate fans.
— At Shakhtar, Pushich remains, about whose possible dismissal there were talks back in December. Is this a plus or a minus for the miners?
— It’s hard to say… It seems to me that they simply did not want to disturb Pushich now when there are two Champions League matches in January, followed by the resumption of the Ukrainian championship. That is, the Shakhtar management probably decided that making changes to the coaching staff in the middle of the season is not the best practice. It is possible that they are already looking for a replacement for Pushich, and some changes will happen in the summer, depending on the results, of course.
— In Shakhtar, Kelsi returned in winter, but for some reason, they did not rely on him…
— I don’t know why. He would definitely help Shakhtar. Kelsi is a stronger forward than Sikan and Traore, who has become a disappointment.
— The fact that Shakhtar and Dynamo have not signed anyone at this point indicates a lack of time for such serious steps, or a lack of opportunities?
— Both. Right now, it is impossible to sign quality legionnaires. They do not want to come to Ukraine. Therefore, one can only rely on Ukrainian players. I mean newcomers. But it is also necessary to remember that Shakhtar and Dynamo currently have a qualified squad. Our giants have demonstrated good football in friendlies, and the fact that the Dynamo players lost to Magdeburg is not scary, as this opponent is currently at a high level of readiness.
— Is Brest a more manageable opponent for Shakhtar than Galatasaray for Dynamo?
— They are favorites in the match against the miners. Brest is a solid team that recently beat Lyon and Rennes in the French championship. Shakhtar will find it difficult. Probably, Pushich will make a significant bet on the Brazilians, half of whom played in the friendly against Ludogorets and scored all four goals against the Bulgarians. Ultimately, I think this group of Brazilians has fully adapted to Shakhtar, and their time has come!
— What prediction can be made in such a situation?
— I think the match between Galatasaray and Dynamo will end in a draw — 2:2, while Shakhtar will lose narrowly to Brest — 1:2.
Oleg Semenchenko
