Former head coach and midfielder of “Dynamo” Oleksandr Khatskevych shared his expectations for the match of the eighth round of the main stage of the Europa League between the Kyiv club and the Latvian RFS.
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— Oleksandr Mykolayovych, for the first time in the main stage of the Europa League “Dynamo” is, according to bookmakers, the favorite of their match. What do you think, can the team of your namesake Shovkovskyi definitely defeat the modestly-named, titled, and historically RFS from Latvia?
— Of course, the favorite is “Dynamo”, but it’s not worth saying before the game that the Kyivans will defeat the Rīgans with one leg or with their eyes closed.
Why do I consider the “white-blue” as favorites? I will explain like this: Oleksandr Shovkovskyi has much stronger players in terms of individual qualities, but again, there are nuances. In the previous Europa League match, RFS played against “Ajax”, which also outnumbered them in names, and defeated the team from Amsterdam (1:0). This team (RFS) knows how to endure, knows how to wait, and can squeeze a goal from one or two chances.
— It’s a pity, but the match between “Dynamo” and RFS will be nothing more than a prestige match because both the Kyivans and the Rīgans have already lost any chances for the Europa League playoffs. Considering such pre-match scenarios, should we expect open attacking football from both teams?
— As the game in the last Europa League round in Istanbul against “Galatasaray” (3:3) showed, “Dynamo” has the motivation to play for results even when there are no tournament objectives and prospects. The Kyivans played attacking football against the Turks and showed that in attack, the team is more or less okay.
However, I do not think that in the match against RFS we will see the so-called open football by both teams, because there are no tournament prospects for either “Dynamo” or RFS, but we should not forget about prestige, bonuses for a victory, and points for the UEFA ranking.
I think the Latvian team will still play quite tightly because a reliable defense is what their game in euro cups is generally based on. But if the Kyivans score a quick goal, they may open up.
— You just said that “Dynamo” has more or less a good attack, but in defense, especially when talking about matches in the Europa League, it seems like a sieve. And at the same time, no reinforcements during the winter transfer window!
— The problem in defense for “Dynamo” has existed for a long time. It did not arise a month ago or even half a year ago. Shovkovskyi is also well aware of this and is actively searching for combinations of central defenders who will correct this situation, experimenting by sometimes playing three central defenders. But, as we see, the quality of play at the back for “Dynamo” does not improve because of this.
Why? Most likely, the problem lies in the qualification of the players. It does not meet the level of play on the European stage.
— There was a review of the defender of Rukh Bohdan Sliubyk, he did not fit. They looked at the South African legionnaire Ime Okon, they also sent the boy home. There was an interest in Krupsky, but probably the price scared them, namely three million euros for the clause. Does Shovkovskyi really hope for Bilovar's progress?
— As for Sliubyk, let’s not forget that he missed quite a few matches in the first half of the season due to injury. This is, first of all. And secondly, it seems to me that Bohdan, if we are talking about his current form, is not stronger than any of the Dynamo players who play in his position. Sliubyk is still not a classic central defender, but operates on the right flank.
As for Krupsky, again, he plays on the flanks, and there are players in “Dynamo” there. Yes, Krupsky is a good player, but he is young, and taking him for the future so that he would be conditionally second or third in the rotation, and not a main performer... I don’t know. “Dynamo” needs a fully formed player who will play stably right away — today, now. Ilya needs constant game practice to continue developing, progressing. He has excellent potential.
As for the buyout price — for what reason such a large amount is, everything is simply explained: today in Ukraine there are very few quality defenders, especially our own. Now, sometimes prices for Ukrainians are inflated.
— While we are talking to you, there is information that Bushchan has already passed a medical examination at “Al-Shabab”. So Shovkovskyi seems to have another headache: in addition to the problems in defense, now there will also be uncertainty with the goalkeeper. Who will replace Georgiy? Neshcheret?
— I know well how “Dynamo” works with goalkeepers, so I can confidently say that losing Bushchan will not be catastrophic. At least, I think so. Zhora is 30 years old, it’s time for him to try something new in his career, a new international experience. I sincerely wish him that everything works out for him.
Regarding Ruslan, I have known him for a long time. Even from the time when I coached “Dynamo” and worked with him in a pre-season training camp in Spanish Marbella. Neshcheret has long been time to play, not to be constantly second. He is talented, qualified — and now it’s his time to finally show his skills. I’m sure Mykhailov will help him. He is a great specialist who works with his charges not only on technique but also psychologically sets the guys up.
— What can you say about the young talents of the “white-blues”? First of all about Salenko and Ponomarenko. Shovkovskyi is bringing them up to the main team, took them to the gathering. Should we go further and give them decent playing time, not just 5-10 minutes in the match against RFS? That would be a true baptism of fire, an experience, to play at the level of the Europa League for even a half.
— Oh... You know, “Dynamo” has been gaining experience on the euro arena for about five years. They took last place in the group of the Champions League (referring to the 2021/2022 season when they earned only one point in a group with “Bayern”, “Benfica” and “Barcelona” — ed.), then did not get out of the group in the Europa League, or even make it to the group of the Conference League with Lucescu at the helm... All this serves to say that, yes, young footballers need to be given playing time at the level of euro cups, but...
Yes, the game with RFS is not crucial, but “Dynamo” certainly does not want to finish their participation in the main stage of the Europa League with one point and in last place, so the result will still be important. That is, this is not a game for radical experiments with the composition.
— When will Ponomarenko and Salenko gain experience?
— “Dynamo” currently has Vanat playing very well in attack. Therefore, it will be very difficult for Ponomarenko to win competition for a place in the starting lineup. The same problem exists for Salenko: he plays in the number ten position, which is the position of Buyalsky. Yet another experienced starting player.
Should Matviy and Roman be given at least a half to play against RFS? Perhaps. It is up to Shovkovskyi to decide. You know, risking should also be done with understanding, let’s say.
— Guys, in my opinion, have already outgrown the level of the youth team, and it’s not just about biological age.
— That’s true, but understand, the U-19 championship is not an indicator. In youth championship matches, Ponomarenko and Salenko often play against opponents who are 16-17 years old. At their level, both Dynamo players, who are very well developed physically, look like athletes.
Therefore, for them to progress, they need to be gradually introduced into the lineup of the main adult team.
— Why do you think the bet on Guerrero did not work? Something like the Panamanian, who looked formidable in “Zorya,” is nothing in “Dynamo”...
— For me, Guerrero’s game for “Dynamo” is also a great disappointment compared to the effectiveness and results he demonstrated in “Zorya.” Apparently, the problem lies in insufficient mutual understanding, in Guerrero’s connection with partners on the team. For example, Buyalsky, Vanat, and Shaparenko have been playing in the same team for more than one season and understand each other on the field without words.
— And finally. Prediction for the match “Dynamo” — RFS from Oleksandr Khatskevych.
— I believe that “Dynamo” will win. I will bet that the score will be 3:0 in favor of the Kyivans.
Viktor Glukhentiy