FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi answered journalists’ questions after the Champions League qualification play-off round second leg against RB Salzburg (1:1).
- What did Dynamo lack to succeed today?
- Football players tried to do everything they could. I think one can’t reproach the team for lack of dedication. I’ve thanked the guys, they’ve spent a lot of effort today. To answer your question directly, we lacked the positive result in the first leg.
- What do you think of Dynamo performance in this Champions League qualification?
- We’ll definitely analyze our performance. Champions League is a totally different level. I’m proud of the team and their attitude. We did our best, we were pressing intensely early in the game, but unfortunately conceded after a counterattack. It’s valuable experience. This was the first time some of our players performed in the international arena. They’ve experienced this level, this speed. That’s what we strive for both in individual and team actions. I always tell my players that the only person they should look back to is their past self. The only person they should to be better than is present self. I think we have definitely taken a big step forward and I also think we are on the right track. We have to keep going. After the failure of last year’s performance on the international stage, I think we have taken a huge step forward, and now everything is just beginning, I’m sure of it.
- There’s still a few days left till the transfer window closure. Will Dynamo sign anyone?
- There’s no use talking about transfers until they happen. Scouts work around the clock, there’re certain difficulties, but there’s no point saying something in advance.
I also want to tell how the last night in Ukraine was. In particular, the hotel in Kryvyi Rih where the team always stayed when we played there, practically doesn’t exist anymore. People died. This is our reality today. We want this war to end as soon as possible, of course, with our Victory, so that we could return to a normal, full-fledged life.
Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Glory to Ukraine and have a peaceful night everyone.
