— I only have positive emotions, I really enjoyed such football, — noted Zhabchenko. – Yes, the first half was difficult for “Dynamo”, and again we saw problems in the defense of the Kyiv team. However, there is no other way, and we will have to endure until this youth gains experience. The guys still have a long way to grow.
— There were various discussions before this match regarding the schedule — when “Dynamo” would have to play a European Cup match in January for the first time in history...
— Overall, “Dynamo's” performance was quite decent. It is important that the “white-blue” stood up functionally. Boialskyi gained wonderful condition, which pleasantly surprised. And the evergreen Yarmolenko impressed! Interestingly, in the second half, “Dynamo”, which had not played official matches since mid-December, was not inferior in anything and even outperformed “Galatasaray” in attack.
— So, is this an assessment of the work of the “Dynamo” coaching staff during the training camps?
— I closely monitored the preparation of “Dynamo”. The team looked good in friendlies. It should be noted that this is already a new generation, and for them to work hard in January is quite normal. They have different tasks and incentives. And the coaching staff of “Dynamo” did well! They prepared the guys well, not only for defense but also for attack. However, there is one “but” — this is Shaparenko's performance, which was somewhat difficult...
— What can you say about the goals conceded by “Dynamo”?
— In the case of the first goal, the defender near the post could have reacted to the ball. The second goal into “Dynamo's” net was undoubtedly unlucky, due to a deflection.
— Was it a penalty?
— I think, in such cases, they do not award a penalty kick... The players were pushing each other with their bodies, and to finish it off, the player from “Galatasaray” knocked the ball away with his hand. This referee's decision was clearly in favor of the home team, as a compliment... Because then the Turks would have been reduced to ten men.
— There was another controversial moment in the match when “Dynamo” scored its first goal...
— It's good that the referee immediately clarified this. I have already had a chance to review this episode, and I want to mention that the ball indeed did not go out of play. Vanat was allowed to complete the episode, and this is very important.
— Were the substitutions made by Oleksandr Shovkovskyi timely?
— Not just timely, but also effective. Yarmolenko and Pikhalionok's entrance added creativity to “Dynamo's” game.
— What has changed in “Dynamo's” game compared to the autumn matches of the Europa League?
— Everything they created went in. “Dynamo” finally took advantage of all opportunities in attack. Unfortunately, in defense — the same problems. We cannot keep a clean sheet at all. I will repeat, the young ones need to gain experience.
— Against “Galatasaray”, “Dynamo” played with an unusually large number of forwards. Is that a risk, a bet on attack?
— This is a high assessment of Igor Kostiuk's work in the “Dynamo” U-19 team. There is good future for the “white-blues” in attack — Roman Salenko, Matviy Ponomarenko.
— What can be expected in the next Europa League match against the Riga team?
— After such a game with “Galatasaray”, we can count on a full three points. Undoubtedly, this is a game for prestige and for European Cup coefficients. But, more importantly, this is international experience for Ukrainian footballers, many of whom are in “Dynamo”. And this will only be beneficial for both the “white-blues” and the national team of Ukraine.
Oleg Semenchenko
Ihor Zhabchenko
