Head coach of Kyiv's 'Dynamo' Ihor Kostiuk, during the pre-match press conference, outlined the current state of the team ahead of the first Conference League match against Azerbaijan's 'Karabakh'. The coach of the 'white-and-blues' revealed details regarding the infirmary, assessed the players' psychological state against the backdrop of military actions, and answered questions about the strategy for participating in European competitions.
Situation in the infirmary: Tymchyk's return and defensive losses
The key aspect of the Kyivans' preparation before the trip to Azerbaijan remains the personnel situation. Ihor Kostiuk confirmed that defender Oleksandr Tymchyk has rejoined the main group. His return is expected to strengthen the team's flank potential, however, 'Dynamo' still faces a shortage of personnel in defense.
Among the injured players who will not be able to participate in the upcoming match, Kostiuk named Konstantyn Vivcharenko. The goalkeeper remains in the infirmary and is not yet ready for loads.
Separately, the coach mentioned a group of players currently undergoing recovery in Kyiv. They include:
- Kyrylo Osypenko;
- Vladyslav Zakharchenko;
- Denis Popov;
- Nikolay Mykhaylenko.
"The other players are preparing for the match in the main group," — Kostiuk summarized, noting that the team will have to manage without a significant number of footballers, but it is ready for the challenge.
Psychological factor and shelling of Ukraine
The pre-match conversation did not bypass the heavy atmosphere prevailing in the country. The 'Dynamo' coach admitted that nightly enemy shelling has a significant impact on the team's psychological state. Kostiuk emphasized that it is extremely difficult for players to be away from their loved ones at such moments.
Nevertheless, the coach expressed confidence in the professionalism of the footballers, noting that they are doing everything possible to maintain concentration on sporting tasks, despite external circumstances.
Reaction to the defeat against PAOK and mindset for 'Karabakh'
Commenting on the previous result in the match against Greek PAOK, Ihor Kostiuk focused on the need to correct mistakes. According to him, the team's progress directly depends on the ability to respond correctly to remarks and avoid repeating the same blunders.
"I hope that we will react faster to mistakes and correct them. 'Karabakh' is a tough opponent, they played in the Champions League last season. We will do everything in our power to advance further," — stated the head coach.
European cups versus domestic championship
During the press conference, Kostiuk also answered questions about the expediency of participating in European cups against the backdrop of a tight domestic championship schedule. The coach categorically rejected opinions that the team should drop out of international tournaments to save strength for the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL).
Kostiuk is convinced that European cup experience is a key factor for player development and maintaining high competition within the collective. 'Dynamo' intends to fight for a place in the next stage of the tournament.
