FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Mircea Lucescu held a press conference after the win against FC Oleksandria (1:0) in the UPL matchday 8 game.
- These are three important points. We started preparations of the game against Oleksandria right after the match against Benfica as we knew we would oppose good team. Oleksandria demonstrate very decent football, especially considering that they played almost every game away.
They’re very motivated and aggressive in a positive way. They defended orderly and had fast counterattacks. We needed the early opener to change the situation on the field. We had chances, but didn’t use them due to our slackness.
Oleksandria got ready for this match very well. There were certain incidents on the field as they didn’t want to lose. Fatigue and emotions resulted in the ending we witnessed. Visitors’ keeper did a great job and saved his team numerous times. Anyway, I think we’ve won deservedly.
- When were you more stressed – after the canceled goal against Benfica or today?
- Those were similarly strong emotions. At some point I thought the situation that occurred in the game against Benfica would happen again. Those, who watched the video, say there definitely was a penalty. That’s why I congratulated our guys. They didn’t give up and believed they would score.
- What do you think of Vitinho’s performance and why did you substitute Shkurin after the first half?
- Vitinho took the field when visitors were defending very densely and didn’t leave space. Vitinho has great football qualities. I’m sure he’ll help us, but we need to be patient.
As for Shkurin, he needs to play. He didn’t have game practice for quite a while, so I give it him. He also needs to get accustomed to the team. When substituting him with Harmash, I counted on Denys’ experience. Such players are very important to us.
- On September 22, Dynamo will feature in the Ukrainian Super Cup. Does the outcome of this match matter to you?
- Let me enjoy this victory first. Tomorrow I’ll start thinking about the Super Cup.
