Babich compared the matches of "Shakhtar" against "Kharkiv" and "Polissya"
In the 4th round of the UPL, there were many interesting events. In particular, "Polissya" defeated "Shakhtar", while the silver medalist of the last LNZ championship suffered another defeat. And the main sensation occurred in the match "Bukovyna" - "Dynamo", where the newcomer of the elite division crushed the 17-time country champion "Dynamo."
It was precisely from the failure of the capital's grand that the Sport.ua website, in an exclusive interview with the well-known coach and football expert Oleksandr Babych, summed up the results of the previous game day.
– Oleksandr Oleksandrovych, "Dynamo" suffered a crushing defeat from "Bukovyna." What will be your summary?
– It is clear that the main reason for Kyiv's defeat is individual mistakes. And this, in principle, was predictable, as previous matches showed that the "blue and white" team lacks reliability in defense. When the team achieved good results before, both domestically and in Europe, it had a reliable defense above all. For example, in the current championship, opponents create many moments near Dynamo's goal. And notably, there are no improvements, considering the previous season.
After the second conceded goal by the guests, despair was evident. Collective actions completely fell apart, each player played their own game. There was no aggression, no flank attacks, which Dynamo was also known for.
– Is this a failure for Dynamo?
– Speaking of the score, undoubtedly. Although in terms of play, Dynamo deserved one, if not two goals. There were opportunities, but again, individual and childish mistakes led to such a result. Bukovyna's game plan worked perfectly, while Dynamo's did not.
– Sensation, surprise, or should we not call the final score of the match "Shakhtar" - "Polissya"?
– I wouldn't say it's a sensation or a surprise. If I expected a victory for Zhytomyr, then maybe by one goal difference. But overall, I am not surprised by Ruslan Rotan's team's victory. Everyone knows the ambitions and goals of "Polissya" for this season. The guests tactically outplayed Shakhtar. They didn't sit back, pressed high enough. Overall, they played on equal terms.
– Don't you think that the Brazilians of Shakhtar are taking it easy?
– After the match with "Kharkiv," I noticed that foreigners somehow have a biased attitude towards the opponent, not working at their maximum. Although from the coach's words, one can conclude that the team is preparing for the Champions League through the championship. We'll see how it turns out, but for now, the Brazilians look relaxed. This defeat should shake up the "miners." The team must approach matches more focused. In my opinion, Shakhtar already slipped in the match against the same "Kharkiv." This trick didn't work now. The opponent didn't allow it. Although "Polissya" itself is not stable yet. We can also recall their previous match, lost at home to "Zorya."
– However, "Polissya" showed Shakhtar that they will fight for the championship?
– Definitely. Both in terms of the result and, most importantly, in terms of play. Not only the players but also the coaches were tuned to win, which was clearly visible throughout the match. Overall, the game was successful. It was intense and intriguing until the final whistle.
– "Karpaty" slowed down a bit. Will the next round show the true strength of Fran Fernandes' team?
– I think so. For Lviv, the match against Shakhtar will be a kind of test. "Karpaty," judging by their previous matches in the championship, can play just like "Polissya" - not pressing too much, pressing high. Moreover, I think the "green-whites" are in a better psychological state.
– LNZ disappointed once again. Will the fight for the pedestal this season remain just a dream for Cherkasy?
– It was mentioned that Vitaliy Ponomaryov's team would face a decline. "Veres" deserved the victory, although a team that took second place in the championship should turn such matches into wins. Only the match against "Chornomorets" can be credited to LNZ, in other games, they had big problems with scoring.
– Will the next game against Dynamo be one of the central ones in the round?
– Somehow I feel that this match will favor LNZ and will turn out better than the home game against "Veres," considering their style of play. Although I am sure that after the defeats, they will be fully focused on the opponent. There will be a serious fight.
– "Epitsentr" is among the leaders. Is this a surprise for you?
– In principle, yes. Even the sale of Joaquin Sifuentes did not affect the potential of the team, which is trying to play in an attacking manner. In my opinion, Sergey Nagornyak's team is exceeding expectations (smiles).
– Who disappoints you the most after the first four rounds?
– Currently, "Kolos" is struggling to earn points, although we are used to seeing this team in the top half of the table. And probably "Obolon," considering their reinforcements and increased budget.
