Dynamo Kyiv’s versatile player Oleksandr Karavaiev shared his thoughts after the team’s home defeat to LNZ (0:1) in the Ukrainian Premier League.
– What are your emotions after the match? Sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in...
– Of course emotions are negative because we lost. Though I wouldn’t say it was deserved. Yes, they defended very well. Everyone knows that Vitalii Ponomariov’s teams play man-to-man and very well-prepared physically. It was tough but at times we managed to break through their defense and had chances – we just didn’t take them. One such moment, right at the very end of the first half, really knocked us down a bit. We went into the second half determined to win. We had more chances but that’s how it went… We need to draw conclusions and be better prepared for the next matches.
– Again there’s a kind of contrast – 6:0 in European competition and now 0:1 in the league. Is the domestic championship harder?
– That happens, really. The opponents are different. In European competitions those teams are also playing in their national leagues – they play every three days so they have less time to prepare. LNZ, on the other hand, had a full week to get ready for us. Naturally they were better physically prepared though we didn’t really fall short. We just have to take our chances.
– Now there’s an international break and you’ve been called up to the Ukrainian national team. It’s been 749 days since your last match for the “blue and yellows.” How does it feel to be back?
– Of course emotions are positive. Coming back to the national team after some time means that I’ve been performing consistently – sometimes better, sometimes worse – but I’ve been staying in good shape. There have been some good moments lately which probably led to the call-up. I’m always ready, I’ve waited for this and now we’ll go for a good result.
– It’s been two years between your national team call-ups. When you stayed home during those breaks how did you feel and how will your routine differ this time?
– Well, when the national team gathers, the players who don’t get called up have a bit of a break – three or four days off, time to rest and spend with family. That gives you positive energy and emotions. This time it’s different – I’m going straight to the national team kit presentation, then from there directly to the train station. I won’t even have time to stop by home. That’s the only downside.
