Dynamo defender Maksym Korobov commented on the away match of the White and Blues’ youth team against Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, in which the Kyiv side secured a 2:1 victory:
– I wouldn’t say that the game was difficult. We had our chances, which we should have converted. If we had taken all our opportunities, the match would have been much easier for us. But we conceded from a set piece, and then an air raid alert was announced immediately afterwards, which slightly disrupted our rhythm.
– After Kryvbas equalised, the score remained level for quite a long time – Dynamo managed to score the winning goal only towards the end of the match. Did you have to get nervous, or were you confident of victory until the very end?
– Of course, we had to get nervous, but, as I said, we had our chances, so I was confident that we would be able to score a second goal.
– Air raid alerts usually sound quite frequently in Kryvyi Rih, so matches can last a very long time. Can you say that you were lucky this time, as there was only one alert?
– To some extent, yes. There was only one alert, which lasted an hour. I think that was good, because it could also have happened that we would have had to play over two days.
– This time, head coach Pavlo Cherednychenko was not with you. How was it playing without him? Did you feel additional responsibility, as you had to win in his absence as well?
– I can’t say that we felt any additional responsibility. Pavlo Cherednychenko has his own duties, and this time he travelled with the U19 team to the match against Rangers. We know what we have to do. He was in touch with us during the break. We also had two good coaches working with us, giving us instructions, offering advice and helping us. We trust the coaching staff and know how to act on the pitch.
– You have now fully returned to playing: previously, you played one half or even less, whereas now you spent 90 minutes on the pitch. How are you feeling? Do you feel that you have regained your match fitness?
– I feel good, but I can’t say that I am already 100% ready. There are still things I need to work on, because not everything is going as I would like.
– Do you hope to return to the first-team squad? Perhaps you have already spoken with acting head coach Maciej Kędziorek? Has he told you whether he is counting on you?
– There have been no conversations yet, but I know his requirements. It all depends on me. I need to work hard. If I perform well, I will definitely return to the first team. Everything depends on how I work and how much I give on the football pitch.
– After two defeats the team have secured two victories. Can you say that you are back on the winning track?
– I hope so. We are Dynamo, so we must always win. I hope we will overcome our difficulties, get through this challenging period and move forward.
– The next match against Shakhtar is always a Clásico at every level. Have you already thought about this game? What do you expect from it, and how will you prepare?
– Immediately after the victory over Kryvbas, all our thoughts were already focused on this match, because there is not much time to prepare. We are focused solely on winning.
