Ex-midfielder of Kyiv «Dynamo» Andrey Bogdanov shared his thoughts on the current situation in the Ukrainian championship.
Andrey Bogdanov— Can we say that after 12 rounds in the UPL, a group of five teams («Shakhtar», LNЗ, «Polissya», «Dynamo» and «Kryvbas») has formed that will compete for the title and medals? Or did we forget to mention anyone?
— Well, let’s quickly open the standings. In general, the standings are so tight that many teams could join the title race. You know, I would also add «Zorya» and «Kolos» here. And probably «Metalist 1925» as well, I think the Kharkiv club will recover from injuries.
— «Shakhtar» already has a small lead from the second place by 4 points — what kind of football is Arda Turan’s team trying to play? What features should be highlighted?
— The main feature is healthy sporting aggression. Considering that «Shakhtar» lost to LNЗ and couldn’t defeat «Polissya», I wouldn’t call the Donetsk club the championship favorite. But Turan’s team is gaining momentum, as evidenced by the victory over «Dynamo».
— What is Turan’s main problem now? They say «Shakhtar» will lack stability all season because the game is built around young Brazilians.
— The main problem is the personnel losses. Sudakov and Kevin have left, Alisson was injured. Without them, it will be difficult for «Shakhtar» to go the whole distance in one breath. Brazilian youth is very talented, but they need an experienced leader. I think Alisson will return in the spring, and Turan’s team will be more stable in terms of results. For now, «Shakhtar» is not insured against unexpected point losses.
— LNЗ defeated «Shakhtar» and «Dynamo» and is in second place. What is the secret of such a breakthrough? Could Vitaly Ponomarev really create a competitive team so quickly?
— Yes, Ponomarev succeeded. This is the essence of coaching talent. The players understood very quickly what the coach demands from them. I will say this, LNЗ looks solid in the UPL right now. Their victories over the giants were fully deserved and logical.
— Will LNЗ remain in the championship race in spring?
— It’s hard to predict now. It’s a long road ahead. Very much will depend on psychology, mood, whether the team’s leaders avoid injuries. Besides that, LNЗ needs depth in the squad. I’m not sure that Ponomarev currently has equivalent 16−18 players.
— By the names in the squad and coaching staff, «Polissya» should be the main competitor to «Shakhtar». In your opinion, what percentage of its potential is Rotan’s team already playing at?
— 65−70%. The complexity is that Rotan came in and is implementing a completely new style for the team — aggressive, with ball control. And that is not easy. Even strong and experienced players need time. However, in my opinion, «Polissya» will be 100% in the race for medals. I do not expect any failures from this team.
— What is the main reason for «Dynamo’s» crisis?
— It’s hard to say immediately. It requires a systemic analysis. But the fact that the team lost many points in the final parts of matches is a worrying sign. It means «Dynamo» lacks some basic things — «physics,» the squad, motivation. However, I am sure «Dynamo» will find reserves and fight for the title until the last rounds.
— So, where is this reserve for strengthening «Dynamo’s» game, and does it exist at all?
— I won’t specify anything, but this team does have reserves. I’m telling you exactly. The way «Dynamo» played in the second halves against «Shakhtar» in the Cup and the championship convinced me that they do have class. You see, the players were running and simply tearing the opponent apart.
Here, the question is to the coaches, why such football is episodic. Probably, you need to be inside the team to know the true state of affairs. Because we can only guess why «Dynamo» sometimes allows itself to lose so weakly, as it happened with LNЗ.
— Which mid-table team, in your opinion, is currently showing the most quality and attractive football? «Zorya» of Skripnik? «Metalist 1925» of Bartulovic? «Karpaty» of Lushchak?
— I repeat, if it weren’t for the injuries, «Metalist 1925» would be higher in the table and demonstrating better football. But even under such circumstances, I note Bartulovic’s team. Mladen is building a very interesting project, and I want him to succeed. Let’s also remember «Zorya» — in some matches, Skripnik’s team looked very strong. Right now, «Zorya» lacks stability.
— Four newcomers joined the UPL at once — who impressed you the most and why?
— I already mentioned «Metalist 1925». «Kudrivka» deserves respect. The guys play so that you can immediately see — the team really wants to stay in the UPL. Let’s not forget about «Epicenter», where the Spaniards will demonstrate their high level more than once.
— Which player or coach impressed you the most in these 12 rounds?
— Definitely Ponomarev among the coaches. Among the players, I will name a trio — Mendoza («Kryvbas»), Prosper (LNЗ) and Sifuentes («Epicenter»). When I watch their football, I remember the times when many star legionnaires played in the UPL. They play mobile, inventive, with high IQ. These are exactly the kind of players the UPL currently lacks to raise its level.
— Who is the most underrated player in the UPL right now?
— In my opinion, it is Ilir Krasnichi from «Kolos». A defender who revealed himself in the role of a holding midfielder. I am sure that he is already prepared to be a top club player. And not only Ukrainian, but also European.
Svyatoslav Vasylyk
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