This Thursday, October 23, Kyiv’s «Dynamo» will play a match of the 2nd round of the main stage of the Conference League against the local «Samsunspor» in Turkey’s Samsun. One day before the game, the pre-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian team Oleksandr Shovkovskyi took place.
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi— Many players will not help the team tomorrow — the names of Shaparenko, Tymchyk, Yarmolenko, Bilovar, Torres, Dubinchak were mentioned. Has this list not expanded in recent days?
— Good evening. I want to start by saying that tonight was a tough night for all of Ukraine. Once again, the terrorist country is striking our cities. Two people have died, over thirty have sustained various injuries. The energy situation in the country is very difficult. I think everyone who sympathizes with us and sees what is happening in our country understands that the situation is very tense and difficult. Our condolences go out to the deceased and the families affected by the aggression in general and last night. We are talking about Kyiv.
Regarding the game, unfortunately, we have a full infirmary. As of today, all the players you mentioned cannot help us. Likewise, we sent Zakharchenko and Ponomarenko to the U-19 team so they could have practice in today’s UEFA Youth League match. By the way, they won 1:0.
— What are the strengths of «Samsunspor» you would highlight? Who among the opponent’s players should we be most wary of?
— If we talk about our opponent, this is a team that had a fantastic last season in the Turkish league. Thanks to a successful finishing sprint, they finished in third place. They show quite aggressive, good play, building their attacks with fast players. They also worked successfully during the transfer window, bringing in qualified players and continue to perform quite well in the league.
First of all, when we talk about this team, we must understand that there are strong players in every position and line who we can expect any confident and bright actions from. And football is a game not of one or two players, it’s a team game. But of course, individual skill sometimes decides a lot.
— Vitaliy Buyalsky has not been in the starting lineup for four consecutive matches but started the last two games from the first minutes. Has he managed to regain the coach’s trust?
— The head coach decides who plays and who doesn’t.
— «Samsunspor» is a very aggressive team. What do you expect from the upcoming game?
— It’s always tough to play in Turkey. We know how they love football here — it’s almost a religion. We have played local teams many times, and we understand the style they will play in. In last year’s Europa League, we played against «Galatasaray.» I think the style of play won’t differ much from what it was last year. We prepare our team for precisely such support from the fans and such aggression from the players.
