The Dynamo defender shared his impressions after the home draw against Olexandriya (2:2).
– Why are you dropping points for the second match in a row despite being in winning positions?
- Individual mistakes. That’s the simple answer. At this stage of the game, with such a scoreline, we shouldn’t play so recklessly. It has its consequences and we all paid for it. We put in so much effort to turn the game around - and we did it - but in the end we were punished for our errors.
– Was today more difficult than the Cup match against Olexandriya?
- I wouldn’t say it was harder. The first goal, as you saw, came from nothing. In my opinion it was just great execution — same as our goal. Then we turned the match around. In the second half I think we controlled the game completely but still made mistakes and ended up with a draw.
– Would you say this match resembled the previous one against Obolon? You were leading 2:1, looked close to a third, but then conceded…
- For me it’s very painful. I know how much effort we put in to hold these matches until the 85th-90th minute while leading. And then, because of the same kind of mistake as against Obolon, we lose points again. I think it was an individual error. You can’t allow a goalkeeper to launch the ball from the halfway line and concede in one touch without even a flick-on. So, again, I believe the result of this and the previous match is down to individual mistakes which have cost us four points.
– If the team keeps making defensive mistakes, should you just focus on scoring more goals?
- Yes, maybe. But I think we score enough to win. We score more than once per match - that should already be enough. Tactically I think we’ve started playing a bit better.
– On your left flank plays newcomer Shola Ogundana. What can you say about him and his strengths?
- He’s very fast, explosive, good on the ball and with his first touch he can separate from opponents well. The first thing I notice in him is his speed, then solid technique and decent understanding of the game.
– And what about the strengths of the other new signings?
- Center-back Thiare is tall and quick. In the last game I really liked him. He’s got a great first pass, both short and long distribution at a high level. I think he showed himself well. As for the striker - in my opinion, a forward must score goals. If he keeps doing that, it’ll be excellent.
