FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi answered journalists’ questions after the Europa League matchday 3 game against AS Roma (0:1):
- What were Dynamo lacking in terms of finishing?
- We totally realized what kind of team we opposed, so firstly we tried to limit space between the lines not to let them score quickly. Unfortunately we suffered unnecessary penalty and conceded. Beside that and shots from distance Roma didn’t create much in the first half. We had some opportunities, but unfortunately didn’t use those.
After the break we had a few pretty good opportunities as well, but so had Roma.
- Did your attack or defense to better today?
- I never separate the team into attack and defense. Today we lacked attacking aggression, especially early in the game. Roma perform in Serie A and have solid financial foundation. At the moment we can’t sign foreign player of the level we want. Those foreigners we had asked to leave as soon as they heard first explosions and shots.
- What are your impressions of Roma? Did you expect more?
- They played pretty much the way we expected – used wings, tried to switch attacking direction quickly. They tried to push us to the defensive side to use active pressing. That’s why we used long balls towards our fast players ahead. Roma are decent team that always fights for top spots in one of the best leagues.
- Will Yarmolenko and Pikhalionok be able to play against Shakhtar?
- I don’t think so. They still need to recondition and we don’t have time for that.
- What do you think of Dovbyk’s performance?
- I’m well familiar with the qualities of Artem as I worked with him in Ukraine national team, including at the Euro-2020. I think he’s a top level player who gives Roma attacking depth. He’s got a decent strike and can win the ball. Such players make football better. I’m happy for him. I wish we had a forward like Artem.
- You made a lot of substitutions. Are you satisfied with those who started the game?
- Of course we took the upcoming game against Shakhtar into account. We’ve got 26 players. Unfortunately Braharu was suspended. There’re aspects we need to improve, but most players did well. There were some individual mistakes, but this is football.
