Former Ukrainian national team player Ivan Hetsko shared his expectations for the central match of the 11th round of the Ukrainian championship, in which Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv will play tomorrow in Lviv.
Ivan Hetsko— What kind of football do you want to see between Shakhtar and Dynamo in Lviv?
— I would like to see the brightest possible football. And for the championship to be contested not only by two teams but at least two or three more. That would be interesting and enjoyable. It’s already boring that only two clubs decide the fate of the championship and medals. I would like the competition to be broader.
— Before the cup clash, you said you expected a lot of goals. The teams scored three. Are you expecting something similar now?
— Generally, yes. In the Ukrainian Cup, I wanted there to be a lot of goals and was convinced that the match would be exciting — not 0:0 or 1:0. That’s exactly what happened. Maybe not as many goals as desired, but three goals is already a good game. Everything is logical.
— Can Dynamo keep up with Shakhtar’s pace in the second match in a few days?
— It’s not about physicality here, but psychology. In matches like Shakhtar — Dynamo, no additional motivation is needed — everyone understands the significance of this game. The problem may be if fatigue from the Cup affects the championship. That will be truly difficult. But both Dynamo and Shakhtar will still lose points throughout the season — it’s inevitable. And for the classic, teams always gather at their maximum. One wants to prove they’re better, the other — that they can win twice. As they say, a wedge against stone. I want there to be intrigue, fierce struggle, and real emotions. I think it will.
— Will such a tight schedule be a problem for Yarmolenko?
— Not at all. Believe me, nothing bothers him right now. He is a free, open player who plays for fun. Neither status nor age pressures him. He approaches everything professionally, perfectly understands his body, looks at the examples of Ronaldo at 40 years, Modric, and other experienced players who keep up the pace. Yes, you need to keep an eye on yourself — it seems he gained a bit of weight, but he sees it himself. I’ve already said: when Yarmolenko plays, Dynamo’s game is completely different. When he’s in the starting lineup, everything looks different. And even if he doesn’t last for two halves, he’ll certainly last for one. He should be in the starting lineup.
Andriy Pavlechko
