Ihor Kohut: "The team is well prepared for such a schedule"

The midfielder of "Metalist 1925" Ihor Kohut shared his expectations for the match against "Dynamo":

— We have a very tight schedule. How prepared is the team for it?

— I think the team is well prepared for such a schedule. We have already discussed that we will have a "boxing day" now, as they say, a game every fourth day. So emotionally, mentally, and physically, I think the team is ready for this period. Moreover, there are almost no injuries, and everyone is in good shape.

— Looking at the opponents in the calendar, how do you avoid thinking that this opponent is manageable, while with this one, you will have to fight hard?

— Well, it's all psychology because you shouldn't mess with your head.

For example, three points are given for each game, and it doesn't matter if you play against "Dynamo" or against a team that is at the bottom of the standings. That's why coaches always remind us that three points are given for each game, and it doesn't matter what name, what club is in front of us now. So in this regard, I think the team doesn't have such thoughts.

— What makes "Dynamo" strong today?

— ""Dynamo" is always strong.

— What about this "Dynamo" in particular?

— Currently, they have a mix of experience and youth. That's why they are ambitious, hungry for victories. For many, these are the first games in the UPL. They still have euphoria, they are eager, so I think their desire makes them strong.

— Plus - there is no Ponomarenko, who also received a red card.

— Well, of course, it's a plus. The person scored so many goals, so I believe, undoubtedly, it's a plus for us. But his absence doesn't give us any additional advantage, and instead of him, another player will come out who can decide the episodes.

— We will enter the game without captain Ivan Kalyuzhny, but he is, of course, with the team in the training process, helping to prepare for the match against "Dynamo".

— Yes, he was not suspended, he is training with us, everything is fine, he helps in the dressing room and on the field. We all communicate, we all prepare, so his absence will affect the team. But there are moments when you have to play without the captain.

— Did anyone want to kick harder during this corridor for that red card?

— Well, maybe. No, I also had such senseless red cards, so I understand him.

We are both hot-headed. I think he also understands that maybe he shouldn't have done that, but during the game, emotions overflow.