The versatile player of Kyiv’s Dynamo Oleksandr Karavaev shared his impressions from the semi-final match of the Ukrainian Cup against Bukovyna (4:1).
Oleksandr Karavaev— “Bukovyna” caught you off guard in the first half?
— Somewhere we understood that it would be like this. They felt they could create moments near our goal and we ourselves made a gift to them.
— The substitutions early in the second half were key?
— Of course, the appearance of fresh players always gives an impulse, but everyone understood that we would need to add more.
— What impression did Bukovyna leave?
— A good team that fights for promotion. It is still difficult for them to compete in the First League for high positions, but they still have everything ahead. Every team wants to show itself against Dynamo, and Bukovyna was no exception.
You can deliver one game on emotions, but you need to demonstrate stability over distance. Against Dynamo, everyone comes out with double motivation. I know how it is, having played in previous clubs. The cup is great because any team can create problems for anyone.
— Would you personally like a new format for the Ukrainian Cup, where less modest teams would have a chance to play against giants?
— It would be interesting, but we need to understand that we face a team from the Second League in the 1/64 finals, so to speak, while we have a championship, European Cups, and the Ukrainian Cup. There may be difficulties related to logistics. If the tournament format changes next season, we will accept it.
— How do you like the atmosphere at the “Ukraine” stadium?
— A very strong performance from the Bukovyna fans who found the opportunity to come to Lviv. Big respect, as it’s a weekday and many took the day off.
— Next is the Classic. Will a victory over Shakhtar finally decide the championship fate?
— Both yes and no. There are four rounds left. Behind us is a very strong Oleksandriya, which is having a great season. They also should not be underestimated.
— The fact that the match was played in Lviv definitely works to your advantage, do you agree?
— Yes. There is no need to go anywhere and we can spend a few days in Lviv, especially in good weather (smiling).
Oleg Shumeiko
