The head coach of Kyiv’s Dynamo, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, commented on the victory over Kryvbas (4:0) in the 10th round of the Ukrainian Championship during the broadcaster’s air.
Oleksandr Shovkovskyi— Oleksandr Volodymyrovych, first, congratulations on the victory. After a series of draws, it looked expected and, at the same time, pivotal. What, in your opinion, helped achieve this result today?
— No matter what anyone says, we constantly work on improving our actions both in defense and attack, as well as on the interaction between lines. The guys were very worried about the previous results, were disappointed, but at the same time wanted change. And I am grateful to them for this desire, for the attitude they demonstrated today.
Of course, it wasn’t easy: two nights after the game we barely slept, an early rise, a flight, then a train — all this is exhausting. Today, for the first time, we rested more or less normally, although the air raid also left its mark. But still — it had to happen someday because we work continuously and strive to become better.
— The last time Dynamo kept a clean sheet was in the first round against Veres, and today — another clean sheet against Kryvbas. How important was it to keep a clean sheet, especially ahead of the match with Shakhtar?
— The main goal was to recover after the previous game. After an unsuccessful result, we trained those who did not play or played less. The next day was practically a recovery day, taking into account the transfers and flights.
The most important thing was to psychologically support the guys, to get them out of the state they were in. Because we didn’t necessarily have to concede the first goals or encounter deflections — we could have scored ourselves. Everything could have turned out differently, but it is what it is. So we focused on preparing for this game and stabilizing the situation.
We do not make far-reaching conclusions. Every game, every opponent is important to us, and we always prepare responsibly.
— Despite the difficult logistics and tight schedule, the team looked charged from the first minutes today. Could this be the result of the individual conversations you had with the players during the week?
— We are constantly communicating with the players. It is important for us not only to give recommendations but also to hear how they themselves see the game, understand the situation. This is how trust and understanding are formed.
We emphasize that in football, losses are part of the journey. But you need to prepare for every match with the same attitude, regardless of the circumstances.
Right now, we have a difficult situation regarding injuries. Tymchyk trained with the core team only twice, Yarmolenko after the illness — still coughing. We are waiting for Shaparenko, Torres, Dubinchak to return. There are difficulties, but the team is ready to fight for themselves and for those who are still out of the game.
Not everything always works out, but we accept it. Criticism is part of the job, and we take it constructively.
— Oleksandr Karavaiev is now one of the most productive in the team: today — the seventh goal action of the season. It seemed that the attack emphasis was shifted to the right flank. Was this a conscious decision?
— We build the game considering many factors. Ready to act through both the left and right flanks. It all depends on the players' readiness, on the opponent. The role of each team member is important to us.
— Lastly: After the game, the president visited the locker room. What did he talk about?
— He congratulated us on the victory... and scolded us for the previous game.
