Midfielder of Kyiv’s «Dynamo» Oleksandr Pihalionok shared his impressions from the home match of the 18th round of the Ukrainian championship against Lviv’s «Karpaty» (2:0).
— After the winter break, games are usually not easy. How was it this time?
— You are right, it was not easy after the long break. It was a tough game, but it’s good that we won. We expected that "Karpaty" would come out well from defense and press effectively. In the first half, we created many chances, but unfortunately, we couldn’t convert them. In the second half, Kola Mykhailenko first brilliantly capitalized on his moment, and then Vanat. As I said, we expected and were prepared for a very tough game; however, now all matches for «Dynamo» will be like this.
This is the first match in the championship after the winter training camp; there was a long pause. Of course, we played two official games in the Europa League, but the UPL is a bit different.
— One of the main concerns before the match was related to the quality of the pitch, which in freezing weather could be less than ideal. How was it for you to play on this field?
— To be honest, the pitch is fantastic. Many thanks to the staff, the agronomist, everyone who worked on it, for such a great pitch, because playing on such a field is enjoyable. It’s simply top-notch.
— In previous matches of this round, there were quite a few technical mistakes that led to goals. Did you worry that there might be issues related to technical errors and that it would be hard to work with the ball in the first match of the second part of the season?
— No, we didn’t worry because technical errors happen in every match, so there was no anxiety about that.
— In the first half, you didn’t manage to score; did the goal at the beginning of the second half add strength, calmness, and confidence?
— Yes, of course. If we had scored in the first half, it would have been much easier, but we didn’t score. As I already mentioned, Kola Mykhailenko skillfully poked the ball and scored a very beautiful goal. After that, it became a bit easier, and «Karpaty» began to open up more.
— This was his first goal for «Dynamo». Did the team congratulate him in any way?
— Yes, we congratulated him, as we do for everyone in such cases. We can also arrange a "corridor" for him at the base. (Smiles).
— Next Friday, you have an away game against «Vorskla», what are you expecting?
— It’s always hard to play against «Vorskla», especially away. I don’t know what the pitch will be like there, but usually, it’s not in very good condition; it leaves much to be desired. And this is one of the factors that can affect the game. However, we won’t pay too much attention to it. We will prepare and focus on our game.