On Wednesday, April 23, in the 1/2 final match of the Ukrainian Cup, Kyiv’s “Dynamo” defeated Chernivtsi’s “Bukovyna” with a score of 4:1 and advanced to the final of the tournament. The match took place in Lviv at the “Ukraine” stadium. We present to you the post-match press conference of the head coach of the capital team, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi.
— Today, there were two completely different halves in your team’s performance. What could have changed the course of the game?
— The course of the game was changed by the goals scored. Perhaps there was some underestimation on our part, but before the match, we set the guys up for the fact that cup games always differ from league games. And also, in football, order always beats class. Unfortunately, in the first half, we were not as motivated as the players of “Bukovyna”. The Chernivtsi team had a great half.
Perhaps our players entered the first half thinking about the next round of the championship. That’s the only way I can explain our actions in the first half.
But at halftime, we made certain substitutions, drew certain conclusions, and the game proceeded according to our script.
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi. Photo — A. Popov— What does the opportunity to win the Ukrainian Cup personally mean for you?
— For me personally — nothing. The main thing is that the team fulfills what we agree on and wins every match. Kyiv’s “Dynamo” always sets maximum goals regardless of the tournament status and the match status.
Of course, it would be very nice to play in the final of the Ukrainian Cup again. We will do everything to win.
— How do you assess “Bukovyna’s” preparation for this match?
— First of all, I want to thank the players of “Bukovyna”, the whole Chernivtsi team for playing fundamentally, playing football. And as a result, we passed this match without injuries. This is very important.
In football, a lack of individual skill can be compensated for with great desire, discipline, and internal motivation. In this regard, “Bukovyna” played a great game. Both from the point of organization and preparation. And it deserves only kind words for this match.
Well, it was important for us to give the opportunity to play to those of our footballers who had less playing time. First of all, this applies to the goalkeeper, defenders, and holding midfielders.
— Is it true that “Dynamo” fundamentally did not want to play in Chernivtsi?
— No. This is not a question for us at all. We would have come where we needed to come. But there are circumstances that do not depend on us, do not depend on the team.
— After a long break, Tymchyk returned. What does this mean before the match with “Shakhtar” in the Ukrainian championship?
— This means that we have a certain core of players. Unfortunately, today we could not count on Brahara. After a tough tackle in one of the training sessions, doctors diagnosed him with a minor injury, and we could not involve him in the training process or, especially, in the match. Because in football, you need not only to fulfill the set plays, but also to show fighting qualities.
As for Tymchyk, I am very glad that he has returned. Likewise, I am glad for Luchkevych, who came out in the starting lineup today.
We are fully prepared for the next, very important game for us.
I congratulate “Dynamo” fans on reaching the final of the Ukrainian Cup. I congratulate the fans of “Bukovyna,” who wonderfully supported their team: I think they deserved the applause they received after the final whistle.
I wish everyone a quiet, calm, peaceful sky. Glory to Ukraine!
The post-match press conference of “Bukovyna” head coach Hryhoriy Churilov.
Oleksandr POPOV from Lviv
