Dynamo midfielder Shola Ogundana commented on the defeat to Shakhtar in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16 match.
– We did everything we could to win. We will come back stronger, try to win our next matches and play at a high level.
– From the opening minutes, the team pressed the opposition high up the pitch. Was the high press an important part of your game plan?
– Yes, it worked well for us, and we were happy with it. However, it does not matter now because we suffered a defeat.
– Shakhtar opened the scoring in the final minutes of the first half. If you had not conceded that goal, could the game have followed a different course?
– Yes, of course. During the break, we tried to devise a plan that would help us get back into the game. But this is football: there are both victories and defeats. The most important thing now is to focus on the next match.
– After the break Dynamo had several promising attacks. What was missing for you to finish them with a goal?
– I do not think anything was missing. We tried to create chances to get back into the game. I hope things will go better in the next match.
– Emotions were running high on the pitch. How do you remain calm given the importance of the match?
– We have to remain professionals and stay focused on the game, following the coaching staff’s instructions.
– Dynamo will soon face Shakhtar again in Lviv, but this time in the Ukrainian Premier League. How will this match help you prepare for the upcoming encounter?
– It will certainly help in terms of motivation. This defeat will motivate us to win next time.
