Midfielder of Kyiv “Dynamo” Oleksandr Pikhaliyonok in an exclusive comment to Dynamo.kiev.ua shared the mood of his team before heading to Kryvyi Rih for the match of the 24th round of the Ukrainian championship against the local “Kryvbas”, which will take place next Saturday, April 12.
Oleksandr Pikhaliyonok. Photo — Yu. Yuriev— With what feelings will you head to Kryvyi Rih for the match against “Kryvbas” considering all the circumstances?
— First of all, I want to say that what happened in Kryvyi Rih is a terrible tragedy, and we deeply sympathize with the families of the deceased and the injured and generally with the entire city. We stand with them, and there can be no other way. But I am confident that not only we, but also “Kryvbas”, will try to earn three points and, of course, please the fans with the best possible football in this difficult time for Kryvyi Rih.
— There are many statements about the advisability of continuing to hold matches in Kryvyi Rih under these conditions. What is your opinion on this matter?
— Look, in the first round of the championship everyone played there, and now, in the second round, teams are also going to Kryvyi Rih and playing. Therefore, I believe we should finish this championship by holding matches in this city, and starting from the next season, we will make some decisions regarding this, considering all circumstances. Including the desire of “Kryvbas” to host matches in Kryvyi Rih. After all, such a desire will certainly be there, because this is the hometown of the club and its home stadium.
So, if all teams were going to play in Kryvyi Rih, then we certainly have to go, and in my opinion, there is no other answer.
— How do you assess “Kryvbas” this season? They have somewhat declined compared to the last championship, but still remain among the leaders.
— I cannot say that they have really declined. It’s just that their results are not quite the same as last season, but based on their gameplay, I cannot say they have declined.
Also regarding results: “Kryvbas” is in fifth place, if I’m not mistaken, but they have two matches in hand. They are always a tough opponent, and it’s always very difficult to play against them, especially away. Therefore, it will be a very hard match for us in Kryvyi Rih, and we will be preparing for it. However, for us, every match is like a final now. So, we will also be preparing for the game against “Kryvbas” as if it were a final.
— According to the current state of the standings, the main competitor of “Dynamo” in the championship race is not “Shakhtar”, but “Oleksandriya”. And the former player of both teams, Serhiy Rybalka, recently said that “Oleksandriya”, with the football they are currently demonstrating, keeps “Dynamo” on its toes, does not let you relax. Is it really so?
— Of course it is, because “Oleksandriya” is really showing good football and getting results. But we must only look at ourselves. If we look only at ourselves and not at others, I think everything will be fine.
— What are your thoughts about the schedule for “Dynamo” at the end of the championship? After a tough away game in Kryvyi Rih, there will be a home game against “Obolon”, and then four away matches in a row, starting with “Shakhtar”.
— Yes, of course, we know our schedule. It’s very tough, but I think we are ready for it. Moreover, after we traveled for European Cup matches, we have no questions regarding away games in Ukraine. I think everything will be fine. We need to confidently prepare for each game to approach the next one in a good mood.
— You again have a trip to Lviv on Sunday, where first there is the semifinal of the Ukrainian Cup against “Bukovyna”, and then a match against “Shakhtar” in the Ukrainian championship. Just like two back-to-back matches against “Rukh” in Lviv. Can we say for good luck, and will there be two victories again?
— We hope so. We simply cannot have any other mindset.
— Is the option of underestimating “Bukovyna” possible?
— Oh no, Oleksandr Volodymyrovych (Shovkovskyi, — ed.) will definitely not let us do that. He always prepares us very seriously before each match, so there will definitely be no relaxation.
— By the way, has Oleksandr Volodymyrovych already bought glasses for Taras Mykhavko? (Continuing the joking topic from the press conference after the match “Dynamo” — “Lviv Beach”, — ed.)
— (Smiling). I don’t know, you have to ask Taras about that.
Oleksandr POPOV
