FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Mircea Lucescu answered journalists’ questions before the Europa League group stage matchday 1 game against Fenerbahce SK in Istanbul.
- After the last defeat in domestic league you said your players feel depressed. Will this influence the upcoming game?
- I don’t think it will. We have professional players, who know how to get ready. This is important game of European competition and both sides want to do well. Last time we did a good job in Istanbul and we expect to do it tomorrow.
- Fenerbahce have become more effective since you faced them in the Champions League qualifiers. Have they got stronger?
- I don’t think their style has changed a lot. One of the midfielders – Arao or Yuksek – moves lower to play three in a line, but now a defense player is a part if this formation. Jesus always uses it.
Fenerbahce have signed a number of really good performers. Pedro and Henrique have significant experience.
- After the game against Dnipro-1 you said that could be your last one with Dynamo, but still headed the team in the match against Zoria…
- Those were emotions as we’re having tough times. After the game against Zoria it took us 11 hours to get to Chisinau after which we went to Istanbul. That’s hard, but football gives us different kinds of experience. No matter what we’re getting ready for a good match.
- You scored two goals and conceded 11 in four previous games…
- Yes, we had a number of bad results. In domestic league games we were totally in control, but made defensive mistakes and conceded simple goals. The same happened as we faced Benfica. The thing is that players are constantly focused on the situation in their country, on safety of their families and children. We’re traveling from once city to another. I don’t know where we’ll be tomorrow. That’s tough. But we have really good players and we hope to do well in the Europa League.
- Jorge Jesus said football always gives a second chance and Fenerbahce hope to use it. What do you think of that?
- Fenerbahce have great lineup. Their gaffer is very experienced. He’s done a good job. He knows what one should do on the field to win. Fenerbahce will be one of the major claimants upon the Turkish league title.
- Do you believe you can win tomorrow?
- First of all we must play. Fenerbahce aim to start with victory, but so do we. We’ll see what happens.
