Head coach of «Dynamo U-19» Ihor Kostiuk commented on the away match of his protégés against «Epitsentr» (Kamianets-Podilskyi), in which a draw of 1:1 was recorded.
Ihor Kostiuk (photo: fcdynamo.com)— What are your impressions of the game? It seems that you were not completely satisfied. What disappointed you the most?
— The biggest disappointment was that from the first minutes we agreed to play one way, but it turned out differently. Perhaps it’s my fault for not being able to convey to the players with what motivation they need to go out onto the field from the very first minutes. You saw that from the first minutes we started losing our duels, battles, there was a lack of concentration in the finishing zone, as a result of which we missed an attack that led to a quick goal. The quality of play today was what disappointed me the most.
Of course, the field did not allow us to play quickly, the ball always stopped, it could not move fast. But the quality of work with the ball was also not the best. There was no structure that we play, the depth that we need to run. Again, the realization of the chances we created leaves much to be desired. We scored one goal, had moments but did not realize them.
The formation of the team continues; we are currently observing how the players progress, how they understand our requirements. We will move from match to match. I hope they will continue to progress and that there will be more understanding in the games.
— Did the quickly conceded goal ruin your plans for the game and affect subsequent events on the field?
— We changed our tactics somewhat, started to press higher. In this weather, we expended a lot of effort on this pressing. Although initially, considering the heat, we planned to meet the opponent a little lower. This pressing gave us an interception, after which we scored one goal. But, of course, not everyone understands their positions since we changed them during the game. Someone played not in their usual position because not all players are fit and are in the lineup. Because of this, there was no specific structure that we are used to seeing.
— Can it be said that this match against «Epitsentr» was the most difficult of the three away matches you played?
— In terms of quality, I believe this was the least quality match. Because there was no constructiveness or quick transitions. And when they did occur, we created moments, but it was not enough, and these transitions were not of high quality. We constantly rushed, there was no understanding.
— How is Lusin feeling? How serious is his injury?
— If he couldn’t continue, then I think it’s not just like that. There will be diagnostics. After which we will fully understand the situation. But it is already clear that it’s not an easy injury.
— There will be no matches in the U19 National League next weekend; what are your plans regarding this, how will you fill the gap?
— We will train, work on what isn’t working, and improve.
— You have already conducted over 200 matches at the helm of «Dynamo U-19». How do you feel about this? Do you monitor your personal statistics, what does it mean to you?
— I don’t particularly keep track. The task is to train players and pass them to the first team. We see examples of footballers who have gone through our academy. Let’s not say this is some kind of fantastic achievement, but there are quality players who strengthen the team and continue their paths both in the first team and on the international stage. We strive to develop quality players. We will also continue to try to ensure that they progress, successfully transition from youth to adult football, and adapt there as quickly as possible.
