The defender of Kyiv’s Dynamo Taras Mikhavko commented on the match against “Shakhtar” (1:1, pen. — 5:6) in the final of the Ukrainian Cup and shared his expectations for the upcoming championship match against Odesa’s “Chernomorets”, where his team could secure the championship.
Taras Mikhavko. Photo — Yu. Yuriev— We started preparing for the match in Odesa from Thursday. We have already switched from the final of the Ukrainian Cup to the championship. We know well what kind of match awaits us; a victory can bring positive emotions to all of us — to the players and fans. We will do everything possible to achieve it.
— In your opinion, is it better to win the championship away in Odesa or at home, in front of your own fans?
— Of course, at home, but if this match were next. I wouldn’t want to stretch it to the last round. We’ll try to achieve a positive result right in Odesa. We won’t especially celebrate.
— When the emotions have calmed down a bit, can you say what, in your opinion, was lacking for victory over “Shakhtar” in the final of the Ukrainian Cup?
— In my opinion, the game was more or less even; in the first half we realized our moment and had a few more promising attacks. After the break, we made a mistake. The entire team is to blame for the conceded goal, as we did not do our work correctly. Of course, it’s disappointing that this happened, as it was a final, and we really wanted to win the Cup, lift that trophy above our heads after giving a lot of effort. But this is football; there can be only one winner. In the penalty shootout, “Shakhtar” was luckier.
After the game, we were of course upset, but we talked in the locker room and decided that we needed to switch to the championship, where we have important games. Unfortunately, such moments happen; it’s disappointing, but it’s okay, we are already thinking about “Chernomorets”.
— The youth team of “Dynamo” can also become champions in Odesa a round before the end of the youth championship; will there be a double achievement?
— Yes, we will support them; there are many of my friends in “Dynamo U-19” with whom I recently played together. I wish them a positive result and to win the championship of Ukraine for the second time in a row. I will cheer for them and will be very happy because it was from this team that I took an important step to the main squad. I will watch their match on Saturday and eagerly await only victory, and on Sunday — the same from us.
