Famous manager and expert Vyacheslav Zahovaylo shared his opinion about the opponent of Kyiv’s Dynamo in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League — Cypriot “Paphos,” which advanced from the previous stage of the tournament by defeating Israeli “Maccabi” from Tel Aviv (1:1, 1:0).
Vyacheslav Zahovaylo“I closely watched the entire match (the return leg “Maccabi” — “Paphos” — 0:1, which took place yesterday, — ed. note). It was interesting to see what awaits “Dynamo” in the next stage of the Champions League qualification.
There’s no point in analyzing the Israelis. By the fifteenth minute, “Maccabi” was down to ten men.
I will give a brief description of the Cypriots.
“Dynamo” will face a fairly fast team. The Brazilian Yaa Yaa (or Zhazha, the author of the only goal in the match, — ed. note) stands out. A quick player. He is a winger, very active, not afraid to take on opponents. Works well in open spaces.
In general, the “Paphos” team looked straightforward, adhering to a vertical style of play. All attacks are built primitively through the left-back area. 80% occurs with long vertical passes. This imbalance was apparent throughout the game. The center of the midfield, as we say in football, is standing under the bridge. They are simply being overrun.
The defensive play does not correspond to the Champions League level. The center-backs lack speed and are slow on the ball. The team likes to press. From a professional perspective — the pressing is leaky. Gaps form in the center of the field.
The pivot area is their most vulnerable spot. They are always late, almost always lose second balls.
The team is well physically prepared. They run, so to speak.
They probably won’t succeed at positional football. An aggressive, cheeky team. They set their game on fast transitions.
That’s it in a nutshell.
All the best! Glory to Ukraine!”, — Zahovaylo wrote on his Facebook page.
