“Dynamo Kyiv Coach Alexander Shovkovsky Discusses Challenges Ahead of Europa League Match Against Lazio”[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLN8hdWTP9Y[/embed]

Dynamo Kyiv coach Alexander Shovkovsky commented before the updated Europa League 1st round match against Lazio. The game will take place on September 25, starting at 22:00.

– What do you expect from the new format of the main level of the European Cup?

– In general, this is my first experience of playing in European competitions as a head coach, so I don’t know how it was before. But this format is, of course, very interesting, many reports have already been made on this issue, including the relatively large burdens that fall on football players who not only defend the colors of their clubs, but also play for their national teams. And we already have an echo of the fact that this schedule is very difficult, and the players simply do not have enough time to recover.

We have to add this for our team, as well as the Scandinavian countries, that this format is very inconvenient, because in January the teams are not yet playing games in their national championships. This also brings additional responsibilities and problems, and we should not forget also about the problems related to our logistics related to the situation that is happening in our country. But at the same time, it will be very interesting to see how this new format will be implemented. There will be more games against teams with different styles and Lazio is a team that represents one of the strongest leagues in Europe and is fighting for the highest places in it. This season, the Romanians have won twice, lost twice and drawn once in the domestic arena. We are following their performances and we are expecting an interesting game tomorrow.

– In recent matches, Lazio had certain problems in the defensive level. How do you plan to use them?

– In all the games Lazio played in Serie A, they scored in each one, but conceded in each one. In the last game there were two penalties, and according to the latest innovations in the rules, there can be a lot of debate as to whether there were any at all. But for us, first of all, it is important how the team builds its game in defense and attack, what are its strengths and weaknesses. We give this to our players, and from here we build our strategy.

You must also understand that the situation in our country makes it difficult for us. We calculated that 19 hours passed from the moment we left the club premises until we arrived at the hotel in Hamburg.

– You had experience playing against Lazio as a player, including playing against them in Rome. Do you think it will be an advantage for Dynamo that the match will not take place on their ground?

– You have to understand that these are completely different situations – when you play and when you prepare the team for a game. This is the first. Second, a lot of time has passed since then. And the format has changed, now the goal advantage is gone. All teams are now planning and preparing, and the new format requires them to play to win every game so that they can place as high as possible to continue competing for the own cup.

– Of the eight goals that Lazio have conceded this season, just half of them came in the first 15 minutes of the game. Can we count on an aggressive start from «Dynamo»?

– So you think after 15 minutes the game will end? (laughs) We are expecting an exciting game, which I hope the fans will enjoy. Concentration must be maintained throughout the game​​​​ – both in the 90 minutes and injury time.