- You used to feature in the euro cups in second part of the season as player and now you’ve reached this stage as a coach for the first time. How do you feel?
- I’m fine. I’ve always said that we should get ready properly and realize that it’s necessary to do our best on the field. There are no pushovers at this stage of the Europa League. Guingamp have proved that they are worthy team, so we take them seriously.
- One of Guingamp leaders Claudio Beauvue isn’t tall, but he’s good at head playing. Doesn’t he resemble you your own style?
- He does. Beauvue is a very effective player, especially when he stays at the near post as Guingamp take corners. Besides he possesses good speed and shot. Anyway he’s not the only French side high profile performer.
- Mbokani hasn’t come to France and other forwards haven’t reached their best conditions yet. Does this problem bother you?
- We’ll use those players we have. I have no claims to our performers as each of them did his best at training camps. Only official matches can show what our real conditions are. I hope everyone understands how important the forthcoming game is.
- Guingamp have already played a lot of official matches this year while Dynamo had only friendlies. Who’s got ready for the match better?
- It’s difficult to compare. Guingamp performers featured for 90 or even 120 minutes in domestic league and national cup fixtures. Our players had 60-90 minuets of game practice in sparrings. Still they are in proper conditions at the moment.
- (question from French journalist) They know your team really well in France. What do you know about Guingamp? Do you consider Dynamo to be the much-fancied side?
- One can be punished for considering his team the much-fancied side. Chances are equal. We mustn’t underestimate Guingamp. The same can be said about Dynamo.
- How important is it for Dynamo to score the early opener?
- I’ll be glad if we do that (smiling), but it’s quite opportunistic to rush forward at once.
- Will you remind players about the situation in your country and chance to gladden compatriots a bit?
- I’ve already told that to performers. We care about our nation. Tomorrow we’ll play not only for our club, but for Ukraine. The outcome of the match is unpredictable, but we must fight for positive result and our country.
* photo by V. Rasner
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