Dynamo acting head coach Macej Kędziorek answered questions from the media following the away match against Shakhtar in the 12th round of the UPL, which ended in a 0:0 draw.
– You have faced Shakhtar twice in two weeks. What did you manage to improve compared to the previous match, and how satisfied are you with the team's performance today?
– I will start by saying that I am very happy that this time we finished the match with eleven players on the pitch. Of course, that is a joke, because in our previous two matches we had to finish with ten men. Our goal today was to improve the quality of our play with the ball. We wanted to play more boldly, operate between the lines more often, and have greater control of the ball and possession, because in the previous match against Shakhtar we lost it far too often.
We also needed to improve our defensive performance. In the previous match, we made mistakes and conceded three goals. After games like that, you always need to analyse your defensive play carefully and understand what you need to work on. That was the most important thing. I believe we handled it quite well today.
– What was the biggest challenge for you in today's encounter?
– After Shakhtar's previous victory, our opponents had a certain advantage, both physically and psychologically. So, perhaps, the biggest challenge was preparing the team properly for this match.
In addition, as I have already mentioned, we needed to improve our play with the ball. But there is also a more general task – maintaining team spirit. You can see that in every match we look like a united team. The players fight for each other and support one another. We fight and work together. Everyone – the players, coaches, technical staff, masseurs and administrators – must be part of one team, a single whole. This is extremely important, and we must preserve this unity every day.
– Today, you used Brazhko in a different role. Why did you make that decision? Are you satisfied with his performance?
– He played very well. Both when we were down to ten men against Kryvbas, and even earlier against Kudrivka, and today. I am completely satisfied with his performance. He is currently in excellent form and performs a tremendous amount of hard work that often goes unnoticed. Fans usually pay attention to goals and assists, but Volodymyr does a lot of valuable work for the team. And this is not just about today's match – he consistently demonstrates a high level.
I believe this position suits him, although he is a versatile player. At the same time, I cannot promise that we will continue playing with three centre-backs in every match. In previous games, he operated as a defensive midfielder, but under certain circumstances, he dropped back between the centre-backs.
– Today's match showed that the team can perform successfully under your guidance. You have already brought three assistants into your coaching staff. Can you say how long you expect to remain in charge?
– That is not a question for me. I am focused on my daily work. I cannot say how long I will work here, but I hope this period will be a long one. I feel very comfortable at the club. Everyone, both within the team and in the office, helps me. I genuinely feel very good here. Besides, I have been living in Kyiv for 15 months now, and I like it here.
– Comparing the two matches against Shakhtar, could today's encounter be considered a kind of revenge for the previous game? What did you manage to change compared to that meeting?
– If we are talking about the result, the song I Can't Get No Satisfaction by The Rolling Stones is playing in my head right now. In other words, I am not completely satisfied. Of course, that is a joke.
These were two different matches. Perhaps that was how it was supposed to be: in the previous game, we had to endure a lot in order to play the way we did against Kryvbas and Shakhtar today. We prepared a separate game plan for each encounter, and perhaps that was for the best.
Right now, I have only positive emotions. We played against a very good team that competes in the Champions League and against a strong coach. If you analyse this game, you will see that in many situations we were on the same level as Shakhtar or even better. It was a wonderful experience both for me and for my team. I had many positive impressions, but along with them, I also got more grey hair. But that is football, and I am looking forward to our next meeting in Kyiv.
– There was a special atmosphere in the stands today, with supporters of both teams preparing numerous displays. How would you assess the support and atmosphere during the match?
– The atmosphere was truly wonderful. I am impressed by our fans. During the 15 months that I have been living in Ukraine, I have come to understand the situation the country is in and how dangerous every journey can be. Despite this, our fans support the team at every away match. They even travelled to Kryvyi Rih, where the situation is even more dangerous. We hear their support and understand the sacrifices they make for us. It is extremely pleasing and means a great deal to us.
I also receive many messages on social media from Ukrainian soldiers who are defending the independence of your beautiful country. I am very pleased to read them, and they fill me with tremendous respect. I would like to express my gratitude and respect to all of them. I hope that our performances and the way we play will give them at least a little positive emotion and hope.
