The head coach of Kyiv's 'Dynamo', Ihor Kostiuk, outlined the team's strategy for the upcoming away Conference League match against the local 'Karabakh' during a pre-match press conference in Baku. The match, scheduled for August 12, 2026, will be a key test for the Ukrainian team in the current European season. Kostiuk admitted that the upcoming game will be extremely difficult, considering the high level of preparation of the Azerbaijani team and their experience in top tournaments.
Squad issues: who stayed in Kyiv
The Kyiv team approached the important confrontation not in optimal form. The head coach confirmed that several key players were unable to fly with the team for various reasons. In particular, goalkeeper Ruslan Neshcheret and midfielders Oleksandr Pykhalenko and Nazar Voloshyn remained in Kyiv. Despite this, there are no new players in the team's infirmary before the match, which allows hope for the health of the core squad to be maintained. The absence of experienced footballers in the defensive and attacking lines will require Kostiuk to be flexible in tactical deployment.
Assessment of the opponent: experience and stability of 'Karabakh'
Evaluating the future opponent, Ihor Kostiuk expressed maximum respect for the stability and experience of the Azerbaijani team. 'When a coach has been working with a team for a long time, a certain system is already formed. The players of 'Karabakh' understand perfectly well how to act on the field, and the opponent has a well-balanced squad. Moreover, they have significant experience in the Champions League,' noted Kostiuk. The coach emphasized that 'Karabakh' is a team with a clear playing philosophy, which makes them a dangerous opponent on any field.
Atmosphere in Baku: support for Ukraine
Separately, the head of 'Dynamo' noted the incredible atmosphere with which the Ukrainian delegation was welcomed in the capital of Azerbaijan. According to Kostiuk, the team is deeply impressed by the city and the extremely warm attitude of ordinary people. The coach emphasized that it is very important for the team to feel how the local residents sincerely support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people at this time. This support, according to Kostiuk, will become an additional moral resource for the players on the field.
Tactics for the match: uncompromising struggle
However, despite the friendly atmosphere outside the stadium, there will be no concessions on the football field. Ihor Kostiuk assured that 'Dynamo' is setting itself up for uncompromising sports struggle and will do everything possible to get the necessary result and advance to the next round of the Conference League. The coach emphasized that the team will play with maximum concentration, using all available resources to overcome the difficulties associated with the absence of key players.
