Former coach of Minai, Nikolai Tsymbal, shared his thoughts on the defeat of Kyiv’s Dynamo against the Cypriot Paphos (0:2) in the second leg of the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League. Recall that based on the results of the two matches (0:1, 0:2), the Ukrainian team could not advance to the next stage of the tournament.
Nikolai Tsymbal. Photo — A. Prikhodko— To be frank, I was sure that it would be Paphos that would advance to the next round, although I didn’t think they would do it in such a convincing manner.
The very first match in Lublin showed that the Cypriots had a more balanced squad, which lacks “stars,” but all the foreigners are of decent level and well-prepared. Coach Juan Carlos Carcedo from Spain is significantly more experienced than Alexander Shovkovskiy, and at this level, that’s a considerable advantage. Above all, this influences the choice of the right tactics. Remember how skillfully the Cypriots counterattacked in Poland, using the free spaces on the flanks. And having reached Lublin, I had the impression that at home they would not let their chance slip away.
— Are you hinting that Kyiv had to perform in difficult climatic conditions, particularly with high humidity?
— Not just that. Although in the two days that the Kyiv team spent in Cyprus, it was practically impossible to get accustomed to playing football, figuratively speaking, in a sauna, when there are problems with adjustment and freshness is lacking.
By the way, I have acquaintances who work at Paphos, and I was aware that there are three analysts in the coaching staff, including one who compiles a psychological profile of the opponent, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the players, as well as how to unbalance them through minor provocations. As you can see, everything was taken into account.
It’s also worth noting that one of Carcedo’s assistants is solely responsible for tactical preparation. He deserves credit: recall how competently the hosts greeted the Kyiv players in the midfield, not allowing them to threaten their territory. Although it was the guests who should have pushed the pace from the very first minutes.
I agree, the debut was not without a “gift” from Kyiv’s goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret, who for some reason left his post unguarded, and the Cypriots scored into the empty net. However, this was also part of the “city” team’s tactical plan, which often utilized long passes behind the defenders.
By the way, I noticed that even during pauses when the referee allowed the participants to refresh themselves due to the heat, the hosts treated this water procedure more responsibly. It may seem trivial, but later it affected the productivity of the players. Therefore, I believe that Paphos rightfully continues its participation in the most prestigious continental League.
— And for Kyiv, ahead is the Europa League qualification, where their potential opponent is Maccabi from Tel Aviv, which also lost to Paphos in the Champions League. Among your acquaintances from the Cypriot club, who made a stronger impression?
— The players from Maccabi. But Dynamo will have the opportunity to refute these claims.
Andrey Pisarenko
