Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi answered questions from the media following his team’s 0:2 defeat against Crystal Palace in the main stage of the Europa Conference League.
– A question about Taras Mykhavko and his substitution. Why did it take so long? Why wasn’t he replaced earlier and why wasn’t a substitute warming up in advance? How do you assess this episode?
– Unfortunately, the player we had planned to bring on was not ready to enter the pitch at that moment. That’s why it took so long and it played a cruel joke on us. After conceding I was forced to change the tactical scheme. What we had planned to do later we had to do immediately.
– Do you consider this moment a turning point that led to the defeat?
– Possibly.
– And about the support from Ukrainian fans today and ahead of Dynamo’s next home matches – what can you say?
– It’s always a pleasure to play in front of packed stands. It adds charm to the game and, of course, extra responsibility for players. It was important for us to handle the pressure in the opening minutes, especially the tension we felt a bit in the dressing room before the match. I think, in general, we managed to calm the game down but what happened – it's happened.
Naturally, we are disappointed. In such matches individual skill often makes the difference – I mentioned this before the game. Every goal scored or conceded is the result of actions and counteractions. Overall the game unfolded much as we had expected but unfortunately the conceded goal forced adjustments. I don’t think we are ready yet to play open football against English opposition.
Thanks to our fans for their support. I wish everyone a quiet peaceful night. Glory to Ukraine!
