Midfielder of Kyiv’s «Dynamo» Mykola Mykhailenko commented on the outcome of the match of the 26th round of the Ukrainian championship against Donetsk’s «Shakhtar» (2:2) on the «Profutbol Digital» ether.
Mykola Mykhailenko. Photo: fcdynamo.com
— We cannot be praised for our game in the first half, however, as for the second half of the meeting, we could have won if we had realized all our moments.
— «Dynamo» once again had two different halves...
— It happens, it’s emotions, it’s football. In the first half, we conceded an early goal, and it threw us off a bit, then we conceded a second goal. After the break, everything was different — this, I believe, is the beauty of football.
— What happened during the break in the locker room?
— Nothing special, we gathered our thoughts and realized that we are strong precisely due to team actions and that we can not only save the game but even win. However, today it was only a draw — it means that’s how it should be.
— In the first half, the opponents often pressed you in the center of the field, but after the break, the situation changed. What is the reason?
— We readjusted, changed the scheme, started playing differently. Perhaps they were unprepared for that and could do nothing about it.
— What was your personal role on the field after the break?
— I more often dropped back as a third. Perhaps they got confused with our further movements when, for example, the wingers entered the center. If we scored two goals and could have scored more — it means everything worked.
— For you personally, is this currently the most emotional match of your career?
— This is a Ukrainian classic, and for me, it is the first in my career. So this is a special moment, and I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life.
— How do you assess the progress of «Oleksandriya» this season, which is currently your main competitor in the championship battle?
— A good team with a wonderful collective and atmosphere. On the field, they show very good football. I am happy for them, I want «Oleksandriya» to remain among the leaders of the Ukrainian championship.
— In the second half, «Dynamo» missed many chances...
— When you constantly create pressure and chances arise one after another, there are no thoughts about not realizing them. You just keep working and believe that it will go in anyway. We believed until the end — and that’s exactly what happened - we scored the second goal. We could have scored earlier, but only managed to do so towards the end of the match. To achieve this, we had to believe and work even harder. All the guys did well, we only succeeded because we were a united team on the field.
— Are you personally satisfied with this result or disappointed?
— If we take into account how the first half went, then we should be satisfied that we managed to save the game. But given the events of the second half, there is a certain aftertaste, as we could have won. But that’s football, we have to move on and show an even better game, delighting our fans, whom I want to thank for their support today. We also thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for allowing us to play football at all.
— What were your first thoughts after Kabayev’s goal?
— I was the first to meet him when he ran to celebrate. Emotions were nothing but the best.
