Shovkovsky: A very difficult victory. The score could have been 2:2 or 5:1

Head coach Dynamo Alexander Shovkovskiy commented on his team’s strong-willed victory over Carpathians (3:1) in the away match of the second round Ukrainian Premier League.

“A very difficult victory. In general, matches with Karpaty, wherever they take place, are very interesting. We had certain circumstances, first of all, logistics creates certain difficulties. Therefore, we gave some players a chance to rest, some came off the bench. In general, we have enough players in the squad who should be ready to go out on the field at any moment and solve problems. We have a team of almost 30 players.”

“Indeed, the score could have been 2:2, or 5:1, or more. Football is a game in which the one who realizes more opportunities wins. We created enough chances to finish the game more calmly. But we finished the way we did, and there were good opportunities for rapid counterattacks, which we must realize.”

“Also, although we were preparing for a very serious game, we still kept in mind the upcoming important matches with Salzburg.”

“I don’t want to comment on the Karpaty game. I said from the very beginning that matches with Lviv are always interesting, it’s always nice to come here, there is crazy support from the fans here. I want the stadiums to be filled again, like before, so that we all return to normal life. I thank our Armed Forces of Ukraine for giving us the opportunity to play football at all, and for football to live in our country.”

“Did they want to postpone the match with Karpaty? That’s another question, and the UPL decided not to postpone the match. If they had asked the opinion of the coaches, including mine, I would have also said that this was a great decision, but not under the conditions in which the country is currently living. Since we currently do not have the opportunity to quickly get to our destinations by plane, this issue should have been brought up for discussion, properly prepared, put to a vote – but at the same time add a note that it comes into force only after we return to normal life after the war. That would be more accurate. But we have what we have, so we continue to work.”

“Then why did they postpone the game with Vorskla? The situation is different here. In all European championships, teams playing in the playoff round of European Cups can postpone their matches in national championships scheduled in the calendar between matches on the international arena. Incidentally, Salzburg did the same.”

Let us recall that Dynamo conceded in Lviv in the first minute after a strike by Oleg Ocheretko. In the middle of the first half, Oleksandr Pikhalenok scored his third goal in the Kyiv shirt. Vladislav Vanat put the visitors ahead at the end of the hour. Stenio could have equalized the score, but missed a good opportunity. Andriy Yarmolenko set the final score with a penalty kick.

Shovkovskiy’s team won both of their opening matches in the new UPL season. Dynamo will play their next match on August 21 in the Champions League qualification against Salzburg.