Dynamo midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko spoke to journalists ahead of the Ukrainian Cup final against Chernihiv.
- First of all I want to address our opponents from Chernihiv and express my admiration for what they have achieved. Reaching the final is a fairy tale for city’s residents. It commands great respect.
- You have played in many finals and important matches during your career. Do you still feel nervous in moments like these?
- Yes, you feel it before every game. I think that’s natural. You understand that you carry responsibility for the performance and the result in front of the team, head coach, your family and fans. Nervousness is normal. The most important thing is that it disappears once the match begins.
- What is the mood in Dynamo’s dressing room ahead of the final?
- Extremely serious. We understand that club like Dynamo can't finish the season without trophies. We need to win the Cup.
- Tomorrow’s match will be special for you as you will play against club from your hometown. How will you deal with emotions?
- In fact, I’m quite sentimental. I followed Chernihiv’s journey in the Ukrainian Cup and supported them. My family also joked a lot about this final.
Be that as it may, winning the Cup is the main motivation. In addition we have many young players in our squad for whom this final will be their first. Tomorrow we must prove that we deserve the victory more.
- Winning the Ukrainian Cup is also one of the ways to secure a place in European competitions. Does that create extra pressure on the team?
- We understand how important this match is for our club. We are preparing with maximum responsibility. We will play to bring the Cup back to Kyiv.
- How do you feel about returning to the Ukraine national team?
- Of course, I’m very happy about this call-up because I haven’t been with the national team for a long time. I had a conversation with new head coach Andrea Maldera - we have known each other for a long time. I told him that I’m not playing at the same level as I was five years ago, when we last worked together, but I assured him that I would gladly come to the national team and give everything for the result.
