Press conference of FC Dynamo Kyiv head coach Mircea Lucescu after the 2023/2024 Ukrainian Premier League matchday 1 game against FC Mynai (4:1):
- First game is always tough as you don’t really know the potential of your opponents and your team. We didn’t start well, so we had to search for a solution to win. We faced aggressive team in a good shape. I told my players we had to win the scrimmage. There were a lot of fouls today, but I think the game was spectacular.
- Wasn’t the early goal Dynamo conceded beneficial for your team? Did it make the team angry?
- Bushchan wasn’t focused in that episode as he didn’t expect the shot. It’s hard to start being 0:1 behind. Of course we got angry, but gradually we started doing better. You’ve all seen that Vanat is in a great shape. He scored twice, made a decision fast in the episode with equalizer. I think we deserved to win. There was an episode when the score could get 2:2, but generally we had more opportunities.
- Are you satisfied with the training camp in Austria?
- Yes, we’ve had a good one, but unfortunately we didn’t play against all teams I wanted to face. I want Dynamo to perform on the top level, on European arena. I want the club to be an international brand. For that sake, we need to oppose great teams more often. Still we’ve had a friendly against champions of Cyprus and won 4:0. In a week they flattened BATE (Borisov) 6:2. Al Hilal have really good players signed for big money.
- As of today, technically you have only one forward – Vanat. Are you going to enforce this position on transfer market?
- Benito can do well as a forward. He proved that at the training camp as we faced Young Boys and Al Hilal. His return from loan move was a right decision. Still maybe we’ll sign someone to have three forwards. We have more problems in terms of centre backs as young guys are going to make a number of mistakes. We need experienced defenders.
Anyway, I want to praise my players. That atmosphere in the team is really good despite the rough times.
- What do you think of the debut game of Yarmolenko?
- Andriy needs some time to get accustomed to our league as it’s more aggressive now. He also needs to boost his fitness and he’s doing his best for that. His attitude is incredible. I hope he helps us a lot. We need such a player and person with significant experience
- Which side would you like to face in the Conference League – Aris or Ararat?
- I think Aris will go through to the next stage as they have great atmosphere at their stadium. Fans will make the team rush forward.
