Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi answered media questions following his team’s home defeat to LNZ Cherkasy in Kyiv.
– For the first time this season Dynamo didn’t create a single real scoring chance in a match. Was that due to fatigue after the European game or the opponent’s solid defensive play?
– You’re absolutely right – we’ve had a very intense schedule and I can confirm that we lacked freshness and emotional energy. It’s been a tough stretch – four demanding matches with recovery time coming every two or three days. Plus there were logistical challenges. Naturally all of that affected our performance.
On top of that we faced one of the most organized defensive teams in the league – a side that has conceded very few goals. LNZ defended confidently and launched quick attacks and counterattacks – something we had specifically discussed while preparing for this match. Unfortunately at the end of the first half we conceded during one of those counterattacks and that goal turned out to be the only one of the game.
– What happened to Yarmolenko? How serious is his injury?
– I’ll receive more detailed information in the coming days because it’s too early to say anything definitive now. He complained of some discomfort and, as the game went on, the pain got worse so he asked to be substituted.
– After the last match against Shakhtar you criticized the referees’ performance. Are you satisfied with the officiating today?
– I’m not going to link the result of this match to the refereeing. Today we clearly did not do enough to deserve a win – that’s certain. I’m not sure whether we deserved to lose either – that’s another question.
