Dynamo Kyiv defender Denys Popov clarified his words about the level of Shakhtar Donetsk players.
Denys Popov— First of all, we’d like to ask you to clarify what you meant in your comment about former and current Shakhtar players with the rhetoric of «parody.» For example, even Heorhiy Sudakov reacted to it today.
— Yes, of course. If it caused such a significant resonance, it would be right to clarify the meaning of my words. It was about the fact that the level of passion in these matches is not the same as before. It has, you could say, somewhat faded. Therefore, I only meant that the current Shakhtar players are young and have not seen the matches that took place before.
They are not yet as experienced as Marlos, Moraes, Taison, and other Shakhtar legends. But I have no doubts about their prospects and that they can become players of their level. For some of them, it might have been their first Classico. You understand, these are emotions after the game.
Perhaps I chose the wrong word — and that’s how it turned out. But I had no intention to offend anyone. I didn’t even pay attention to it. I think my comment will be clear.
They just asked me such a provocative question, that Shakhtar’s bench was shouting something. Of course, they were inciting. We tried not to respond to it. I believe that if you paid a little attention to it, you would understand my emotion. But, again, I agree that the word was chosen incorrectly. It could have been said differently.
I respect every player and every team. It’s just an important match and emotions. I hope you convey it correctly. That it wasn’t said to offend anyone or that I don’t respect someone. I definitely didn’t have such an intent. I hope everything will be fine.
— Do these disputes and emotional matches with Shakhtar then affect the national team of Ukraine? For example, you received a call last spring when there was also a fight for the championship.
— I generally believe that words of this kind shouldn’t be taken offense to. Such resonance immediately followed… it was a surprise to me.
If they call up to the national team — we’ll see. I don’t know if it will have an impact. I think everyone understands the principle of this match, that nobody wants to give up. Therefore, such a fierce struggle. Only that.
If people interpret it correctly, everything will be fine. If there is a proper perception of the situation.
— Is it already known whether you’ll be ready to play in the next match with Shakhtar? Since there is information about a nose injury.
— At the moment, it’s not yet known. But I will be preparing, and then we’ll decide. I can’t say for sure yet. Of course, I want to play myself.
— In the context of Dynamo’s criticism, they often talk about insufficient physical readiness. What would you respond to that and how do you personally feel physically in the recent matches?
— I already said that it’s not easy — with the travelling and such a busy schedule. I wouldn’t say we’re physically unready. Probably, it’s more accurate to say that we don’t have enough recovery time. Games every two or three days, plus the road. This, of course, doesn’t add to health. In this regard, I agree.
As for physically unready — I don’t agree. A good amount of work was done during the training camps, and the championship is already in full swing. I think speaking about unreadiness is not the issue.
