Ex-defender of Dynamo and the national team of Ukraine – about the results of the first part of the UPL season
The first round of the Ukrainian Premier League of Ukraine is completed and now is the time to sum up the intermediate results. Today we will talk about the fight for the championship. To discuss all the important points, we asked a well-known former player of Dynamo Kyiv and the national team of Ukraine Vladislav Vashchukwho, by the way, turned 48 years old on January 2.
– The first round of the Ukrainian championship is over. Dnepr-1 is in the lead, which is quite unexpected. How did Oleksandr Kucher’s wards climb to the top after the first part of the season?
– If Dnepr-1 were in the lead only after 5-6 rounds, it would be a big surprise, maybe a sensation. But the Dniprians under the leadership of Oleksandr Kucher look quite balanced over a long period of time. It is necessary to praise the head coach of Dnipro-1, he instilled a lot in his wards. Yes, many say that the merit of Evgeny Krasnikov, the sports director of the club, is great there. But this is a symbiosis of two football people. The club selects the players, and the mentor conveys the correct information to the players. We see that Dnipro-1 has been playing confidently throughout the autumn.
– But for Oleksandr Kucher this season is only the first in the Premier League. He does not have much work experience, however, the result for Dnepr-1 is fantastic …
– Apparently, Kucher has a good coaching staff. It is clear that the guys are charged to win. In every match, the players of Dnipro-1 want to win. This is right. We all see that they are ready to win with the giants of our football. Yes, and official fights confirm this. Dnipro beat Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk. Today Dnipro-1 is the flagship of Ukrainian football.
– In the 2007-2008 season, Dnipro, under the leadership of Oleg Protasov, also led the Ukrainian Premier League after the autumn part of the championship, but in the spring its results deteriorated significantly. As a result, Dnipro finished only in fourth place. How will the situation develop for Dnepr-1 now?
– This is football and anything can happen. Shakhtar and Dynamo are approaching the Dnieper. Let’s see who will be more confident in the spring part of the season. The most important thing is not to slip in the first games. Then you can not catch up with competitors.
– Let’s move on to the eternal rivals: Dynamo and Shakhtar. Who did you like more?
— The Pitmen played better in European competitions, and in the national championship, I think that they are approximately equal in strength. No one can be given the advantage. Both Dynamo and Shakhtar mostly have their own pupils. In the fall, the load on these two teams was also large due to European competitions. It was necessary to carry out a rotation of the composition.
The Donetsk team will start playing early in the Europa League against Rennes. It is important to hold high-quality training camps for both teams. Coaches will have time to work and spar. It is important that injured players heal their sores. Dynamo’s biggest problem is the forward. It’s just a huge problem.
– Who is the best player of the Ukrainian Championship in the first round?
— Artem Dovbik. He stands out. Artem is very efficient. Everyone is already used to the fact that he scores in almost every match. But this is not enough for him, and he wants to score two goals per game.
What can I say about today’s players of Shakhtar, Dnipro-1 and Dynamo? They all have about the same level. If someone stands out, that he can safely gain a foothold in European clubs. I think that there are no bright stars in the Premier League now. Perhaps only Dovbik stands out against the general background.
– All winter they write about the possible transfer of Mudrik and Dovbik to European clubs. Considering that we are now at war, the UPL level has decreased, do the guys need to leave for Europe?
— If there is a worthy proposal that suits the club, then it is worth considering. Of course, a football player must also want to play in a strong competitive championship. If there is a transfer offer, the players should try their hand at the top championships.
– And in conclusion, a question about the coach of the national team of Ukraine. Oleksandr Petrakov’s contract with the UAF has expired. Maybe you know who will be the next coach of the Ukrainian national team?
– I dont know. In March, the national team of Ukraine will start qualifying for the European Championship. The leadership of the UAF should have a list of candidates for this position. Applicants must submit their program and justify it. That is how it should be. You need to choose the right specialist. There is little time left to talk about it. I know that there are certain discussions, but I was not initiated into the details of this.
Source: Sportarena
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
