Former «Blue and White» goalkeeper Volodymyr Tsytkin, who later coached various age groups of the Ukrainian national teams, shared his impressions of the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16 match between «Dynamo» and «Shakhtar,» where the hosts celebrated a comeback victory — 2:1.
Volodymyr Tsytkin— The first «Klassychnye» of this season involving the giants of domestic football turned out to be very instructive. Above all, for Shakhtar, because one cannot abandon their game philosophy. After all, they dominated the first half, created half a dozen goal-scoring opportunities, took the lead, and then unexpectedly slowed down, and everything went awry.
After the final whistle, there were many compliments directed at «Dynamo,» but where to put aside the disastrous first half when the «Miners» could have easily resolved the question of the winner? Fortunately, the host goalkeeper was at his best, and luck was on their side.
— Still, what must have happened in the «Dynamo» locker room during the break that they started to attack vigorously in the second half?
— To say that it was a tactical gambit to lull the opponent’s vigilance with passivity and then surprise them with a burst of activity would not be entirely accurate. After all, each derby has a heightened level of responsibility, and everyone tries to act with maximum effort.
But yesterday, «Shakhtar» players, having opened the scoring at the beginning of the second half, for some reason decided to focus on defense. I don’t think that the Brazilian youth of the «Miners» were unaware that «Dynamo’s» strengths are precisely their quick attacks and variety of offensive operations, forgetting at the same time that they themselves cannot boast of defensive skills.
Of course, «Dynamo» quickly sensed the change in the visitors' mood and, with double energy, started pressing «Shakhtar’s» defensive reserves. However, I repeat, the question arises, why didn’t the Kyiv team play like this before the break?
After all, it wasn’t a secret for them that «Shakhtar’s» defensive organization was at a low level. This can’t help but be worrying because Matviyenko, Konoplia, and Bondar are players of the national team of Ukraine. It seemed that they were simply unaware of what vertical covering means, how to act against overlapping runs on the flanks.
— By the way, as a former goalkeeper, how do you evaluate the keepers' performances in yesterday’s confrontation?
— Nescheret played at his level, often saving the team, while his colleague Riznyk, in two episodes when he conceded, did not save, although his «trump card» is playing on the goal line. It seems that when Yarmolenko and Guerrero took their shots, he didn’t see the moment of impact. It’s very hard to react afterward.
— Yesterday the hosts significantly troubled the guests with their set-piece drills.
— I agree, in this component «Dynamo» players have improved recently and skillfully use this «weapon».
— Who deserves the credit for the fact that, taking advantage of the opponent’s passivity, the Kyiv team confidently dictated their terms?
— I would highlight Pihalonok. After Brazhko came onto the field, he boldly began to take the game upon himself, skillfully supporting his teammates and causing the visitors to become nervous with his long-range shots.
— Do you believe the final scoreline is justified?
— For their demonstrated will and ability to capitalize on their strengths, they should have been rewarded. Therefore, their advance to the quarter-finals is deserved. It’s also worth noting their coach, Shovkovskyi, whose substitutions proved more effective than Turan’s.
— In your opinion, after another failure of «Shakhtar,» did the club bosses start to doubt the appropriateness of inviting the Turkish specialist?
— That his seat is shaky—I have no doubt. And that’s why for Turan, the outcome of Sunday’s «Shakhtar» vs «Dynamo» championship match is crucial. If the «Miners» lose again, Arda could face significant troubles. This only heightens the interest in the next «Klassychnye.»
Andriy Pysarenko
