The captain and goalkeeper of Dynamo Kyiv U19 Vyacheslav Surkis shared his thoughts after the first leg of the UEFA Youth League Champions Path Round 2 against Swedish champions Brommapojkarna where the white-and-blues claimed a 1:0 victory in Stalowa Volia.
– Of course the feelings after the match are positive. It was a tough game against a strong opponent – the champions of Sweden and that title doesn’t come easily. The red card our player received in the 30th minute forced us to readjust. Ihor Volodymyrovych (Kostyuk) and the coaching staff guided us on how to do it and we managed to adapt quickly. It was a really difficult match but I’m proud of the team – guys gave absolutely everything for the win and never stopped fighting, no matter how hard it was.
– Despite being a man down the team played very disciplined, and your goal wasn’t really under much threat. How would you assess the team’s organization and focus?
– The fact that there were few chances near my goal is the merit of all boys. I do shout instructions, of course, but I can’t run out to stop every opponent myself – the defenders handled that perfectly. The opponent created only one real chance at the end and I made the save – that’s my job. I must always be ready whether it’s the first minute or the last. Overall everyone played well, stayed focused and at times it didn’t even feel like we were playing with ten men.
– You hold a narrow advantage before the return leg in Sweden which will be played on artificial turf. Could that give the opponent an edge?
– It’s definitely going to be a tough match. We’ll be without Bohdan Redushko due to suspension. As for the artificial pitch – I don’t think it’s a problem. We don’t pay attention to the conditions, we’ll play regardless of circumstances. If we act as a team, like we did today, I’m confident everything will go well.
– For the second season in a row it seems that Dynamo U19 have faced a tougher opponent in the second round of the Youth League than they might get in the next one. How do you view the draw overall?
– First of all I believe there are no weak teams in the UEFA Youth League. Yes, next round we could face 2 Korriku like last season but they’re also the champions of their country. Even if it’s Kosovo that doesn’t change anything – they’re a good side. Today’s opponent was also strong and if we go further it won’t get any easier. This is the Champions Path which means every team we face is a national champion. So we have to treat every match as if it were our last, stay ready for everything and never relax.
– What did you think of the fan support, especially from the Polish children, and the atmosphere in the stands?
– It was a bit unexpected but really pleasant. Last season we played without fans, in empty stands. Today I could hear them shouting “Dynamo!” – it gave us positive energy. Even though we’re playing far from home we feel the support. After the match we went over to thank them. It’s really important for us that Polish fans are supporting Ukraine.
