Dynamo midfielder Oleksandr Pikhalonok shared his impressions after the winning away match against Luhansk-based Zorya (2:0) and his expectations ahead of the upcoming trip to the Ukraine national team camp:
— The match was very emotional, and it was difficult for the team until the final minutes of the game. What worked at the end? Perhaps the tactical adjustments in the second half?
— I think we simply took advantage of our chances, scored our goals and won the match. In general, our games against Zorya are always difficult. We knew that, and it is good that we eventually won.
— Are you satisfied with today’s performance, or would you have liked to play better?
— You always want to do better, but we earned three points and are moving forward.
— Pylyp Budkivskyi said that “luck” was on your side. Would you agree with that?
— When you lose, you always say that. Especially when a match ends 1:0 or 2:0. Maybe that is the case, but judging by the game, I cannot say that we were lucky. It seems to me that we looked better.
— The team has now kept three consecutive clean sheets in the UPL. This can probably be linked to the return of Heorhii Bushchan? Can we say that Dynamo have become more confident and calmer in defence?
— Yes, it is the Bushchan effect (smiles). God willing, it will continue to be that way. The whole team has confidence when he is behind us. It is good that he has returned and that we have kept a clean sheet for the third match in a row.
— Did you expect Zorya to put up such resistance? They are quite an uncomfortable opponent for Dynamo, as they have taken points from you both last season and the season before?
— Of course, we expected it and analyzed the opponent very thoroughly. We anticipated that the match would be difficult, and today that was confirmed on the football pitch. It is good that we won.
— It seemed that after the first goal the tension eased a little and the team started playing more freely?
— Of course. When the score is 0:0 or even 1:0, it is a very dangerous result. It is good that we scored the second goal after the 80th minute and saw the game through to victory.
— Now the national team is next. After such a victory you will probably prepare for the national team matches in a good mood?
— Of course. When you win, you always prepare for the next games in a good mood.
— What are your emotions about being called up to the Ukraine national team?
— Very positive. I am extremely happy about the call-up. I hope to get some playing time and prove that I deserve a place in the national team. Besides I have not worked with Maldera yet so I am very interested in working with him.
— Four matches are ahead in approximately ten days. Is that quite an unusual schedule?
— Yes, the schedule is unusual, but many players have been called up to the national team. If you look at other national teams, they also gather 30–40 footballers. So it is normal; we will prepare.
