Kovalyov - about the past round in UPL
The sixth round has ended in the Ukrainian Premier League. Unfortunately, due to constant alarms, it turned out to be, so to speak, incomplete. The matches "Kryvbas" - "Kharkiv" and "Veres" - "Kudrivka" have been postponed.
However, even without these confrontations, the Sport.ua website had plenty to discuss with former midfielder of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Kovalov. In particular, more attention was paid to the teams from the top of the standings.
– Serhiy, the sixth round concluded with matches of our giants - "Dynamo" and "Shakhtar". Are "Epitsentr" and "Chornomorets" still far behind in terms of competition with the giants?
– As the previous matches showed, they are. Dynamo and Shakhtar completely outplayed their opponents. There could have been more goals scored. It is still too early for these opponents to compete with our giants.
– "Dynamo" defeated an opponent with a large scoreline for the first time in 15 matches...
– Despite such a victory, I believe it was the best match for Kyivans this season. When it comes to motivation, dedication, and quality of play. It's too early to sing praises to Igor Kostyuk's team, but it's worth praising. It's been a while since we've seen Dynamo so charged up.
– Were you interested in your opinion on the prospects of "blue and white" in the current championship?
– Currently, as a bonus, I see Kyivans in the top three best teams in the UPL. But all my previous conclusions are based on the initial part of the season. The distance is long, so adjustments are possible (smiles).
– Yarmolenko scored his 124th goal in UPL and equaled Shatskyi.
– This is probably the main event not only of the last round but also of the entire initial stretch in the Premier League. I congratulate Andriy on this achievement and I practically have no doubt that soon the Dynamo midfielder will become the sole leader in this ranking. By the way, Yarmolenko's goal was decisive in the match against "Epitsentr". It not only boosted the team's confidence but also forced the guests to open up more, leading to two more goals in their net.
– Judging by everything, the difficult match in the Champions League and the tough trip did not affect Shakhtar's game?
– This indicates a quality preparation in the offseason. All the players look very good from a functional point of view. Plus, the head coach made the right rotation. All this together allows the team to play a style of football that brings results.
– After a stumble in the third round, "Polissya" has not faced obstacles in three matches in a row. Ruslan Rotan's team is ready to fight for the championship?
– I think so. Again, judging from the initial matches of the championship, I can say that "Polissya" is the main competitor of "Shakhtar" in the battle for the gold medals. These teams top the standings. And we all remember that the Zhytomyr team defeated the "miners" in a face-to-face match.
Ruslan Rotan has been leading the team for the second season. He managed to select players according to his vision of the game and instill these qualities in his players, demonstrating the structure of the game that the coach wants to see from the team.
– A group of teams is gradually forming in the standings that will pull the peloton?
– I think so. "Polissya," "Shakhtar," "Karpaty," "Dynamo," and, I believe, "Kharkiv" will set the tone in the championship.
– Will "LNZ" make up for lost time?
– Despite a confident victory over "Obolon," I think that this season Cherkasy will not be able to compete with the leaders. Vitaliy Ponomaryov's team lacks quality competition in the squad after the silver season. Moreover, opponents are preparing for LNZ in a completely different way than in the previous championship.
UPL. 6th round
11.09.2026
"Kolos" - "Karpaty" - 0:2
12.09.2026
LNZ - "Obolon" - 3:1
13.09.2026
"Polissya" - "Livyi bereh" - 1:0
"Bukovyna" - "Zorya" - 1:1
14.09.2026
"Dynamo" - "Epitsentr" - 3:0
"Shakhtar" - "Chornomorets" - 2:0
The matches "Kryvbas" - "Kharkiv" and "Veres" - "Kudrivka" have been postponed.
