FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach answered journalists’ questions before the Champions League 2nd qualifying round first leg against FK Partizan. He started with a brief statement:
- Good afternoon. First of all, I’d like to make a small statement. We fully support UEFA’s laws and principles of fair play and always treat our opponents with respect, demonstrating this in every way possible, both on the football pitch and before, during and after matches.
You know very well that the war has been going on in our country for the third year already. Every day our people, children die because of russian strikes and missiles. . Our club doesn’t separate itself from the people of Ukraine, supporting our army and Ukrainians in every possible way during this difficult time. With our performances on the European arena we try to raise the fighting spirit of our defenders and people who suffered from war. Many of them are longtime Dynamo fans.
We took with great, to put it mildly, frustration the trip of FK Partizan FC to Moscow for a friendly, “fraternal” tournament, where they played a series of matches against local clubs and expressed signs of solidarity with those who are waging an aggressive, invasive war against us, occupying our lands, destroying our towns and villages, killing and maiming our people, children. Especially considering the clear decision of UEFA to exclude russian clubs from all international competitions in Europe, which was adopted immediately after the start of full-scale aggression.
We specifically did not make any public statements about this so as not to stir up animosity before the match. But taking into account all the above-mentioned circumstances, we are forced to refuse to participate in official events. Our position is based solely on the actions of FK Partizan Belgrade, who went to this tournament to a state that attacks and kills citizens of our country. We consider these actions unfriendly towards our club and our country.
Despite everything I’ve said, the team is fully focused on preparations and has the desire to show their professional qualities, which we strive to demonstrate in the game against Partizan, fully respecting the rules of UEFA and fair play. Please don’t raise this question again. I will not answer any questions you may have about this. I will only answer questions about the team and preparations for this match.
- What are your predictions regarding the recovery of Shepelev?
- Unfortunately, it happened on the last day and he has a painful ankle injury. I can’t say for sure how long he’ll be out, but I think it’s at least for two weeks.
- Are there any other losses? Is everyone ready to play?
- As you know, two of our players are currently with Ukraine U19. The team finished second in their group and reached the Euro semifinal. All U19 players did a good job at the tournament. I wish them all the best.
Three more Dynamo players are getting ready for the Olympic Games – Rubchynskyi, Braharu and Mykhailenko.
- Partizan have already played official games this season unlike Dynamo. Is it their advantage?
- It’s hard to tell. Only the game will give the answer. We’ve analyzed our opponent and we have a plan. I think we’re ready, but, as I’ve said, the game will show.
