Famous Ukrainian coach Roman Hryhorchuk commented on Dynamo Kyiv’s victory over Bosnian Zrinjski (6:0) in the 3rd round of the main stage of the Conference League.
Roman Hryhorchuk— Was the crushing score Dynamo’s merit, or does it reflect the skill level of the Bosnian team?
— That’s precisely the question. I can’t tell you definitively—it’s hard for me to assess the strength of the Bosnians. I can’t say they are a weak team, but I understand they lack special skill. In any case, this team plays in the Conference League! We can’t allow ourselves to think of them as a weak team. We’ll leave Zrinjski’s level aside—let’s not evaluate them.
Dynamo looked quite solid—they played with a huge margin. The victory is absolutely deserved, and the score is just excellent. I think this victory will give Dynamo players confidence. The players from Kyiv enjoyed their game against the Bosnian opponent. It was clear that they were liberated and played high-spiritedly. This kind of football is exactly what we want to see from our national top team.
— The first half ended with a minimal victory for Dynamo, but in the second half, the Bosnians conceded a «bag».
— At some point during the game, I felt that Dynamo players were enjoying their advantage and the fact that they were stronger. They played for pleasure and wanted to score more and more. This can be highlighted as playing on a high note.
— One of the goals was scored by Andriy Yarmolenko. How important is Andriy for Dynamo on the football field? What’s your opinion about the scandal within the white and blues between Andriy and Oleksandr Shovkovskyi?
— As for this conflict... Well, I find it hard to believe that such qualified people... They have a lot of experience! I don’t think there can be talk of a conflict here. I wouldn’t even mention it—there’s more speculation and writing about it than exists in reality.
Regarding Andriy’s importance... I support Shovkovskyi and agree with his decision to use Yarmolenko as a forward. I think the quality of football Andriy shows... He can «paint» football—he’s a very interesting and creative player who can do fascinating things on the football field. Most importantly, he scores goals! He’s important for the current Dynamo, even despite his age.
Dynamo somewhat lacks tactical flexibility and unconventional moves on the football field, and Yarmolenko is the player who can do that. He can play interesting and effective football. In my view, he’s a very important player for Dynamo.
— Yarmolenko is a leader, but he’s already an aging player, as you pointed out yourself. Who can be considered Yarmolenko’s successor at Dynamo?
— Yarmolenko is a stylish player; he’s unlike anyone else. I can’t say right now that I see a young player close to Andriy. I believe Andriy is a step above others in terms of football understanding. Dynamo has many players with excellent characteristics. Recently, Voloshyn has started to progress.
— By the way, many name Voloshyn as Andriy Yarmolenko’s successor...
— I mentioned Voloshyn only because he’s a young, progressing player. He has enormous potential, but if we compare their style of football, I think these players differ.
Anhel Torres came on as a substitute and showed some episodes... In my opinion, he can be called a stylish player. He wants to play football. After seeing a few episodes, I can confidently say that he understands what progressive football is. Let’s revisit our conversation a little later.
— Another goal for Dynamo was scored by Vladyslav Blenutsya. How important is this goal for him?
— The goal scored by Blenutsya should help the player. He should become more liberated and confident. What happened to him upon arriving in Ukraine—what was spilled in the press... This player had a very tough time, so this goal should help him start his career in Ukraine correctly and be an assistant for Dynamo.
Regarding the hate. I don’t even know the situation completely, but I’ve heard about it—it was talked about a lot. I understand it became a stress for the player, but I don’t even know the essence, so I won’t discuss this scandal.
— Will Dynamo’s victory over Zrinjski be the start of the white and blues' confident play in European competitions? Everyone expects our giants to succeed in Europe. Can Dynamo fight for a spot in the Conference League playoffs?
— It can’t be that our teams are satisfied with just a few points in the Conference League group stage—that’s no result. In the Conference League, our giants should reach the semifinals, and that’s the minimum! I understand there are many challenges, but... This is the Conference League. Our clubs should do this, despite the difficult situation in Ukraine.
In a Champions League group, Kairat, Qarabag, Paphos play... Think about it! The Champions League is the best tournament, but these teams play there, while Shakhtar and Dynamo play in the Conference League. Of course, we want our giants to play in the Champions League and not be content that we will take some points in the Conference League and not get out of the group.
Oleh Vakhotskyi
