FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Mircea Lucescu and midfielder Denys Harmash answered journalists’ questions at the press conference the day before the UEFA Europa League group stage matchday 6 game against Fenerbahce SK.
- Mister we remember your work in Turkey, where you succeeded significantly. But you said you’ll do your best not to let Fenerbahce finish first in the group… Can you please comment upon this statement? (question from Turkish journalist)
- When did I say that? I couldn’t say that as I’m acquainted with Fenerbahce president and coach. Of course anything can happen in football, but I didn’t say that.
- Dynamo played a number of matches against Fenerbahce this season. Do you think Turkish side progress is on?
- Fenerbahce signed a lot of good experienced players, who perform for their national teams. They put a lot of efforts into creation of quality team. They have 25 players of approximately same level.
Our situation is totally different. We’ve lost important players and have to rely on youngsters. We have five performers younger than 20 in our squad. I think it was a mistake to play so many charity matches in spring. Besides, internationals featured for their teams. We started the Champions League qualification really well, but then lost against Benfica. Since then our players started losing motivation and points in domestic league.
Our opponents weren’t better than us. It’s all about particular episodes. We conceded in a stoppage time in Istanbul, we lost against AEK due to free kick, failed against Rennais because of our own mistakes. Our players are in a very difficult situation. We change cities and stadiums all the time and don’t see our supporters.
We have a single goal – to survive under these circumstances and maintain the best level we’re capable of. One day the war will be over and Dynamo must remain on certain level. This is a club with great history and victorious traditions.
We’re last in our group, but I don’t think we deserve that.
- Dynamo faced goalkeeper problem after losing Bushchan and Boiko…
- In Istanbul we lost Bushchan and Shaparenko – two extremely important players. Shaparenko, our leading performers, will spend six months outside football.
As for Bushchan, he’s already training with the team. We’ll see whether he can play or Neshcheret will take the field. We have a very young team and I’m sure players will be totally motivated.
Denys Harmash:
- This match doesn’t mean anything for Dynamo while for Turkish side it’s a chance to win the group. What’s your goal for this game?
- The major goal is to gain revenge for the defeat in Istanbul. I’m sure guys will do the best they can and will succeed. Besides, we play for the whole Ukraine, for our supporters and for our warriors.
