- I congratulate everyone on this victory. It was a difficult game. I think this match was important from psychological point of view. It wasn’t easy to play behind closed doors.
Dynamo have reached knock-out stage for the first time in 16 years. It’s a great success. They say Chelsea and Porto weren’t strong enough, but no one said that before the group stage start.
In the locker room I thanked players for the game. They’ve gladdened millions of fans. I congratulate our supporters, players and youngsters, who’ve reached the UEFA Youth League knock-out stage.
- What’s wrong with Andriy Yarmolenko?
- Leaving the field he said he hurt the muscle. I don’t know how long he’ll be absent.
- Why did you substitute Harmash?
- Denys is a player, who likes to attack. He was losing his position in the midfield. Harmash always does his best for Dynamo, but that doesn’t mean he must only rush forward and score.
- What are your plans for winter break? Dynamo potential round of 16 opponents’ domestic leagues will be in full spate…
- We’ll gather in Kyiv on January 10 and on January 12 we’ll leave for Marbella to have a training camp.
- Dynamo lacked Andriy Yarmolenko in this game. How will your team play if he leaves? Kalytvyntsev will take part in the training camp. Can he replace Andriy?
- It’s difficult to oppose any team in the Champions League. For the majority of our players it is the first season in this competition. Of course it wasn’t easy to play without our leader.
You know Andriy has prolonged his contract. I hope he’ll help us in the Champions League, but Dynamo mustn’t depend only on one player.
This is a top level competition. Why does everyone think we must flatten every team? We need time.
I’ve already talked to Kalytvyntsev and to other players, who feature on loan. Maybe we’ll have some transfers. We’ll see after vacation.
- Will Olexandr Shovkovskyi keep playing?
- Olexandr will finish this season and then we’ll see. Player’s career depends upon many factors including injuries and professionalism. Olexandr is a true professional. I’m totally satisfied with his work. In half a year we’ll decide what to do.
- Has Derlis Gonzalez adapted to the team?
- I hope so. He’s only 21, so he has some difficulties. He joined the new team and now he performs in the Champions League. He needed some time to get accustomed to our requirements. Today he works both for defense and attack.
- Did you expect the game against Maccabi to be decisive for you?
- Of course I didn’t. Before the group stage start they were saying we’ll fight only for qualification for the Europa League. The first match against Porto was of great importance. It made our players believe they can oppose any team.
- What team would you like to face in the round of 16?
- I don’t even know who’s reached this stage. I don’t want to think about that so far. We’ll get ready for matches against any team.
* photo by V. Rasner
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