Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi spoke to the media at the mandatory pre-match press conference ahead of his team’s UEFA Conference League home fixture against Crystal Palace.
On defensive issues and facing an in-form opponent:
- We clearly understand the kind of opponent we’re going to play against, the league Crystal Palace competes in, the form they’re currently in and their achievements in recent months. We’ve spent a lot of time analyzing Crystal Palace – we see their excellent organization, discipline, quick attacks and very dangerous set-pieces. Our recent training sessions have been focused on preparing as best as possible to oppose them – in defense, midfield and attack, across all areas of the pitch.
On Dynamo’s improvement at set-pieces:
- To answer briefly – yes, that is exactly why we invited a specialist to our coaching staff to work specifically on set-pieces.
On squad rotation and tournament priorities:
- With such a busy schedule we must rotate – we cannot avoid it. It’s important both so that players feel their importance to the team and so that we don’t overwork anyone and reduce their effectiveness. So yes, there will be rotation but it won’t affect our strategic objectives. In every game we will play to the maximum. The task is always the same – to win.
On the current squad situation:
- Unfortunately we cannot count on all players. Those who missed the match against Karpaty are still recovering and that is a problem for us.
On winter preparations given the Conference League format:
- Of course, we must look ahead but everything you mentioned has no direct relation to tomorrow’s match.”
On the draw with Karpaty (3:3 after leading 3:2):
- Every match should be assessed in context. If we were losing 0:2 and finished 3:3, that would be a good result. But if we were winning 3:2, could have scored a fourth and fifth and ended 3:3 – of course, that doesn’t bring positive emotions. Especially as it’s the third match in a row where we’ve lost points in the closing minutes. We’ve spoken about this with the team. The players feel the pressure but at Dynamo Kyiv this is normal. It’s part of playing at this level. Painful defeats or draws, as well as victories, must be processed quickly. And if it hurts that’s a good sign – because no one becomes stronger when everything goes smoothly. It’s through such painful moments that character is forged. Some can handle it, some can’t.
On comparing UPL and Premier League levels:
- The Premier League is the best league in the world. Crystal Palace, at that level, play European competition practically every other week – against Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle… and others. This is what gives the Premier League its uniqueness. We understand this and I stressed it to the team. To play against such opponents you must be 100% ready – and then you must also be able to show that readiness on the pitch which depends on the players’ psychological and physical condition.
Finally, today is the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. Football in Ukraine exists thanks to our Armed Forces – our defenders, men and women, who protect the country from the russian aggressor. We are grateful to the United Kingdom for the support it provides to our country. We truly value and feel that support. Thanks to our defenders! Wishing everyone a peaceful sky and, of course, victory for us all.
