The former coach of Kyiv's Dynamo, Leonid Buryak, shared his impressions of his former team's return match against the Maltese Hamrun Spartans (3:0) in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League.
— Everything was predictable, — noted Buryak. – In fact, "Dynamo" is continuing its training camp, and the Kyiv team is preparing for the new season through these matches. It's good that we faced such an opponent at this stage. As you know, training camps are always a difficult thing, and the team is still under a certain burden. However, I want to emphasize that compared to the first game against "Hamrun," "Dynamo" looked better, became stronger. There were good episodes, dynamics, and there is a long bench of substitutes, and I think it will get even better from here.
— Is there still something in "Dynamo" football right now to criticize, or comments about certain players on the team?
— In every game, one can find something negative, but the thing is that some players adapt to the season faster, others — slower. However, overall, "Dynamo" is currently moving forward very well, and it is noticeable.
— I’m interested to know your opinion on the disallowed goal by Bilovar, which was deemed to have been handball...
— That’s VAR, and it’s hard to say anything here. Despite all the technology that millions have been invested in, there is always a human factor present. From what I saw in the replays, Bilovar scored with his shoulder. But each referee tries to cling to something…
— What do you say about the three goals scored by "Dynamo"?
— Everything was according to the game. No one would have understood if a different result had been recorded. Regarding Vanat’s goal, he worked hard for it and was very useful in the first half. In general, Vanat is no longer the forward he was at the beginning of his career at "Dynamo" — he has significantly improved. However, one still needs to consider the level of the opponent. Earlier, the Maltese played worse and conceded 7-8 goals, but now the situation is different, and still… It’s good that Mykhavko scored. The lack of extraordinary tension at one’s own goal allowed him to attack.
— Will the start of the season in the UPL help "Dynamo," or will it simply create additional pressure? Should we expect rotation in the lineup, for example, Yarmolenko coming out in the 1st round?
— Not only Yarmolenko. Popov missed the game against "Hamrun Spartans," as did other "core" players. They were given rest, which is normal. Of course, the Ukrainian championship is also a very important tournament for "Dynamo," and we need to take what is ours as much as possible. Moreover, I hope that our new championship will be more challenging and interesting. New favorites like "Polissya" and "Metalist 1925" may emerge.
— On Wednesday, July 30, a return match in this stage of the Champions League will be played between potential opponents of "Dynamo" — "Maccabi" (Tel Aviv) and the Cypriot "Paphos." Who of them might become the opponent for the "White-Blues"?
— The chances in this pairing are 50 to 50. The potential of "Maccabi" is much greater than that of "Paphos," but the Israeli team will not have the advantage of home ground, as they will have to play on neutral ground. A year ago, I was in Israel and saw good stadiums and excellent infrastructure there; their teams currently feature Argentinians and Brazilians. By the way, if "Maccabi" advances to the next round, we will be on equal terms with them — no one will be able to play in their home stadiums.
— Can we consider "Dynamo" a favorite in the pair of the 3rd round of the Champions League?
— It’s good that Kyivans decided everything in the 2nd round with minimal effort. But it won’t be that easy going forward. The current Israeli and Cypriot teams are not the same as they used to be. I reiterate, these opponents have many entirely qualified footballers, including legionnaires. Logistics adds to "Dynamo"’s difficulties. Being away from home for a month and a half is hard. Very hard psychologically, and this needs to be taken into account.
Oleg Semenchenko