The head coach of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, commented on winning the gold medals of the Ukrainian Championship 2024/2025 season on UPL.TV.
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi
— Oleksandr Volodymyrovych, congratulations on the championship! Share your emotions.
— It’s hard, to be honest. First of all, it was not easy to motivate the players emotionally for today’s game after the Ukrainian Cup final. We understood perfectly that the teams battling for survival would come out with maximum concentration and dedication. That was noticeable.
We were lacking in emotions a bit because we gave a lot in the final against "Shakhtar". The game, in principle, was going according to our script. But the opponent used one of their main advantages—wing crosses. Although we had chances to score more, even at the end of the match, Voloshyn had to score.
— You are very focused right now. Are you happy?
— I spoke with the doctor, took pills, everything is normal (smiling—note). My pressure is normal. Everything is fine.
— You have many championships, but today’s is your first as a coach. What’s the difference?
— Absolutely different feelings. As a player, you are responsible for the quality of your game, you have to support your teammates. Those who are given more will always be asked more. And the head coach is responsible for everything: for the preparation, who will go in the starting lineup, for the tactics. This is completely different work, and it’s impossible to compare.
— Is the team already celebrating in the locker room?
— We celebrated a bit, but we are already getting ready to head out since we have a 6-hour bus ride to Kyiv. We didn’t have plans to celebrate, but there will be two days off.
— You did not look at Yarmolenko’s penalty kick...
— It’s my habit from my past football life. I never watch penalties that my team takes.
I also want to congratulate all "Dynamo" fans on the championship. It was an interesting hunt, and it wasn’t easy. We have been working towards this since last year. We definitely have a lot to work on moving forward. To all fans— the third star!
