Dynamo Kyiv acting head coach Maciej Kędziorek answered questions from the media after the Matchday 10 Ukrainian Premier League game against Kudrivka, from the settlement of the same name in Chernihiv region, which ended in a 3:1 home victory for the White-Blues.
– First of all, I would like to say that football is certainly important, but there are things that are more important than football. As a representative of the club, I would like to express my support for Ivan Petryak and wish him a speedy recovery and a return to the football pitch. I hope everything will be all right with him. I am sure he is in good hands. We are keeping our fingers crossed for him and his health.
– This is your first match as acting head coach. What objectives have you been given by the club’s management? Do you see yourself continuing as Dynamo’s head coach beyond this period?
– I think everyone knows how things work at Dynamo Kyiv. The objectives remain unchanged – to win every match. I have been working at the club for more than a year now, so I understand very well how big Dynamo is and how much it means to people. The fans expect us to win, and that is perfectly natural. We must do everything we can to live up to their expectations.
I understand the difficult times Ukraine is going through and the significance of this club for Kyiv and the entire country. I am aware of our mission and of the expectations the fans have of the team, of me personally and of the club’s management. We will strive to meet those expectations not only through results but also through the quality of our football and the way the team performs on the pitch.
– Do you see the match against Shakhtar as your first major test? Or, given the limited time available to prepare the team, is that not something you should focus on?
– I would not like to focus on the fact that we have little time to prepare. For me, it is a privilege to lead Dynamo and prepare the team for a match against an opponent like Shakhtar. In football, it does not matter how much time you have – two days, five days or more. You have to use it as effectively as possible to prepare the team and secure a victory.
I do not want to complain about the circumstances, especially those I cannot influence. This is football, and we have to work with what we have. After Sunday's match, the team was recovering, so we had approximately three full training sessions left to prepare for the next game. We must make the most of that time to prepare properly for the match and adapt to the circumstances.
– You have become the first Polish coach in the history of the Ukrainian championship to take charge of a UPL team as acting head coach. What does this achievement mean to you?
– Of course, it is very pleasing and gives me positive emotions. Speaking seriously, I am happy. I have always dreamed of becoming a head coach and have spent many years working towards that goal, studying and working hard to achieve it.
I understand which club I am at, which team I am leading, and what demands and expectations the fans and the management have. I am happy to be here and fully aware of the responsibility that has been placed on my shoulders.
– Under the previous coaching staff, we did not often see Pierre Mounguengue in the lineup. Are you counting on him and other players who previously received little playing time?
– Absolutely. I am counting on all my players. At the same time, every match and every game situation requires a different approach. I try to make use of the players' strengths according to what the team needs in a particular game.
For example, today we saw that the opposition pressed quite high, so we brought Shola onto the pitch. His pace helped us exploit the space behind the defenders on several occasions. I think I will surprise you with some of my team selections in future matches, because I try to use each player's strengths according to the specific needs of every game. In the future, I may make decisions that will not seem obvious to everyone. But I know my players' strengths, and that is what guides me when selecting the lineup and making substitutions.
As for Pierre Mounguengue, he had a good game for the U21 team and has been working well in training. We also have Matviy Ponomarenko, who had plenty of chances today, as well as Guerrero. Only 11 players can be in the starting lineup, so Pierre has to keep working hard to earn his place and get his opportunity. I like his attitude.
– You took charge of the team in the middle of the season. What do you consider most important at this stage: significant tactical changes, individual conversations with the players, or adjustments to the daily training process?
– Everything you mentioned is important. You cannot focus on just one aspect. This includes tactical changes, individual conversations with players, physical preparation, and possible adjustments to daily training sessions and established working routines. We use all these tools.
Even during the four days we had to prepare for the match, we tried to address every one of these areas and do everything possible to ensure the team was as well prepared as it could be.
