The head coach of Dynamo Kyiv Oleksandr Shovkovskyi answered media questions after his team’s emphatic 6:0 victory over Bosnian side Zrinjski in the UEFA Conference League.
– We’ve just spoken with Kabaiev and he mentioned that you pointed out Zrinjski’s strength – their quick transitions and counterattacks. But today it was actually Dynamo who caught the opponent on transitions from defense to attack. Was that part of the plan or more of an in-game improvisation?
– First of all, I’d like to congratulate all our fans on this important victory. Of course we had analyzed our opponent’s play and paid attention to many aspects. One of the key factors was their ability to counterattack quickly and use space effectively. And if you recall early in the game they had a dangerous moment – Taras Mykhavko did very well to cover that situation supporting our central and right defenders while playing as a left-back.
We were aware of their pace and their use of set pieces. We had a certain game plan but, no matter what we agree on before the match, players must go out on the pitch and carry out those instructions. At the same time individual skill is very important. As I mentioned before the game we practice various patterns – both defensive and attacking – including direct attacks, fast attacks and counterattacks. Today some of those things worked well.
– Was the substitution at halftime planned or based on how the game was going?
– Until today both Voloshyn and Torres hadn’t been able to play full matches yet so we couldn’t risk their fitness. We had to manage their minutes carefully to bring them to full readiness. Unfortunately Ogundana didn’t manage to get into the game today so I made the forced substitution, bringing on Voloshyn and knowing that Nazar was ready to play at least 45 minutes. Sometimes players just don’t settle into the game – it happens. I felt we lacked activity on the left flank which is why the change was necessary.
– In just a few days you have an important league match. Did you take that into account when preparing for this game or when selecting players?
– As I’ve said before and before this match as well every game is important for Dynamo Kyiv. We might consider some circumstances but we prepare for each match individually. It’s part of the club’s philosophy that there are no secondary games. Yes, we may adjust the lineup or make tactical tweaks but we always treat every match with maximum responsibility. Things don’t always work out perfectly but those are our principles and priorities.
– Were you completely satisfied with how the team started the first half? And what was the message at halftime that helped the team keep pushing and score goal after goal in the second half?
– I can’t say I was entirely satisfied with our play in the opening minutes. In the first 15 minutes we needed to be calmer and avoid the mistakes we made. The players showed a high level of individual skill today but we cannot afford such errors at the start. In general I see many aspects we need to improve to make our game more refined.
– Which aspects of the team’s play, in your opinion, still need improvement?
– I’ll answer with a quote from Valeriy Lobanovskyi: «If coach is completely satisfied it means he should stop working». There are always things to improve and work on – defensive organization, transition phases, attacking organization, finishing – everything. It’s a continuous process.
Yes, the result today is very important for the team and for the fans but there’s also the quality of play. I believe we must constantly work on that. You can never be perfect but you should strive for perfection. That desire is what makes you stronger and better. If you can perform simple things exceptionally well, you’re already 75% ahead of others. There’s always room for growth and always work to be done.
Once again congratulations to everyone – now we move forward. As we tell the players: it’s not just about where you’ve arrived – it’s about what you did to get there. Every goal has meaning because it gives you direction and movement. And it’s the process of moving forward that matters most.
