Dynamo utility player Oleksandr Karavaiev shared his impressions after the 15th-round UPL victory over Kudrivka (2:1).
- Obviously a tough win. Do you feel this is a breath of fresh air for the team?
- Yes, it’s a breath of fresh air to finally get back on the winning path. Of course, we’ll be happy but there’s no time to relax because we’re already preparing for upcoming matches.
- The team was under psychological pressure due to recent results. How difficult was it to prepare mentally for this match?
- It was difficult because we know we must get results in every game. We lost many matches recently which was a psychological blow. But we talked as a team and understand that we are all in this situation together and only together will we get out of it. There’s no other way.
- Did the team feel relief after finally winning?
- We exhaled because we finally won but I wouldn’t call it relief. On the contrary we need to gather even more strength so that every game is a winning one. When the pause comes then we’ll analyze.
- Were there any nerves at the end when the lead was only one goal and Kudrivka was sending in crosses?
- You’re always nervous during dangerous moments but with a 2:1 score in the final minutes you’re more focused. We learned from previous matches that we must play until the last second. That’s what happened.
- Opponents had many rough challenges. Did you expect such physical play?
- Many teams play like that. Everyone wants to beat Dynamo and take points. That’s always been the case so it’s not surprising.
- Several young players from the Academy were in the starting lineup. As captain what instructions did you give them?
- I try to make them understand that we need points and that only a win counts but also that they shouldn’t be nervous and should show their best qualities. Confidence is key so I constantly encourage them to play freely while following coach’s instructions.
- In a few days Dynamo will play Fiorentina in the Conference League. Have you been following their results this season?
- Not closely but I read and check their results. I think we’ll watch more closely tomorrow or the day after.
