In the Champions League qualifiers, the players of “Dynamo” lost to the Cypriot “Pafos” 0:1 in Lublin, Poland. Honored coach of Ukraine Myron Markevych shared what prevented the “white and blues” from achieving a positive result:
Myron Markevych
— To be visible on the international stage, the current Dynamo players need to be ready to leap above their heads. Yesterday, I did not notice such a desire. Yes, there was some motivation, but it was insufficient to achieve victory even against a mediocre opponent like “Pafos”. Perhaps, the Dynamo players were somewhat reassured by the thought that sooner or later, they wouldn’t lose.
— Before the match, experts noted that “Pafos” operates well in defense and much would depend on whether the Kyivans would be active on the flanks or act quickly and creatively in the approaches to the penalty area.
— Indeed, one could have expected a more sharpened attacking play from Dynamo, perhaps coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi guessed wrong with the starting lineup, although one needs to be inside the team to know who is ready and how. But facts are stubborn things: Dynamo had problems in both finishing attacks and in defense.
— In such a sticky game, every little detail had to be taken into account, cherishing every goal-scoring opportunity.
— I agree, but what can a team expect that cannot even capitalize on a “three on two” situation? Even sports school alumni know how to act in such situations. It’s frustrating because we are talking about a giant of Ukrainian football.
And as the cherry on top—a loss of concentration by the Kyivans at the end of the match. The Dynamo players rushed forward in force to score, missed a counter-attack, and got trapped. Although there was enough information that one of the “trump cards” for the Cypriots is their quick counter-attacks.
— Something incomprehensible is happening with our representatives in European cups... The players of “Polissya” barely avoided disgrace in their confrontation in the Conference League against Andorran “Santa Coloma”, and the Alexandrians were crushed by “Partizan” in the same tournament, now the Dynamo are just a step away from the abyss.
— “Polissya” managed to rehabilitate, although it must be acknowledged that “Santa Coloma” is weaker than “Pafos”. For “Dynamo,” not all is lost yet; indeed, yesterday’s defeat in Lublin dealt a crushing blow to their image, but in a week, they can rectify the situation. Only for that, they need to play at maximum capacity, show character, and prove their superiority in individual skill and team actions. In a word, leap above their heads.
Andrii Pysarenko
