The Dynamo defender, who captained the team in the home match against Oleksandriya, reflected on the disappointing draw.
– Of course the Cup and league matches against Olexandriya are different. Plus, once you’ve already played them once, you know how they act. We analyzed them and they analyzed us. Unfortunately we conceded such an unnecessary goal after just 30 seconds - we didn’t sort it out properly. The opponent struck the ball perfectly and it flew into the net. Naturally we then had to come from behind which changes the mindset. But we created many chances, missed even into an empty net, and finally equalized before halftime. In the second half we kept creating and eventually turned it around. But again at the end we made childish mistakes. We need to analyze and, of course, avoid repeating them.
– Did conceding so early ruin your game plan?
- Of course, when you step onto the pitch, you don’t plan on conceding in the first minute. But when it happens, you understand you can’t ease into the match - you need to play at 100% or more right from the start, first to equalize and then to go on and win.
When you score a goal “into the locker room” right before the break, it really gives you energy. You step out for the second half knowing you can push even harder.
– How are the newcomers adapting to the team?
- It’s difficult for them so far because it’s a different league, a different environment. But step by step they are adapting. They must do it as quickly as possible because at Dynamo there’s no time for easing in.
– This isn’t the first time Dynamo have dropped points in the closing stages. What needs to change before the next match against Karpaty?
- As I said, it’s all about concentration. You need to play until the very last second, until the final whistle. That’s what we must work on. What exactly we’ll change is for the coaching staff to decide. We’ll review this game and prepare for the next one.
