The head coach of Kyiv Dynamo, Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, commented on the air about the victory over Shakhtar (2:1) in the 1/8 finals of the Ukrainian Cup.
— Undoubtedly, it is pleasant to advance in a cup match against our principal rival. But we fully understand that this is only an intermediate result. I always tell the guys: we must remain emotionally calm — both when we don’t get the result we all want and when we win.
You can’t divide emotions into 'defeats' and 'victories' — you must focus only on our actions that led to one result or another. Yes, I thanked the players for the second half. In the first half, unfortunately, we acted with too much respect for the opponent. In the second half, everything changed.
What happens in the locker room always stays there. But, of course, we need more aspiration, more inspiration — and at the same time, act with a cool head, keeping emotions in check.
We well understood that perseverance always accompanies Fortuna. She may smile from one side, but you still have to earn her favor with your actions.
The first goal conceded was avoidable. Maybe we were just unlucky: a strike-cross, a deflection — and the ball in the net. But with how we played in attack in the second half, how the team fulfilled agreements, I am satisfied. I told the guys: continue in the same spirit.
We have not yet solved the problem. But the fact that one of the main contenders and our principal rival was left out speaks for itself.
As for the similarity with the championship match against Shakhtar last season — then we were also losing 0:2 after the first half, but made it 2:2. Perhaps some parallel can be drawn. But frankly, every game is different. There are no identical games. By script, maybe, but these are completely different matches. However, you know, I’ve already forgotten that match, — said the coach.