“Preparing the team for all possible scenarios”

Dynamo Kiev head coach Mircea Lucescu placeholder image shared his thoughts on the eve of the first leg of the Champions League tie against Ghent.

– What Gent matches did you teach your players in theory classes, preparing them for the next match?

– First of all, I want to point out that Gent is a very good team. He changed two coaches in no time. This is difficult for any team. The fact that Gent did not start their national championship in the best way, and that 11 new players appear in the team and the same number comes out, does not mean anything. Of course, it is always difficult for a coach. But in any case, Gent is a serious rival. The team proved it with two wins in recent matches – over Mouscron and Rapid, which we analyzed.

– Given that the teams will play two matches at this stage, do you expect a prudent match tomorrow? What result will be acceptable to your team?

– Naturally, we must not forget that this confrontation consists of two games. My three fundamental principles at work: create a combat-ready team, put it into play, and then achieve results with it. But when we talk about this stage of the Champions League, the main priority is clearly the result. As for the first game, which will take place tomorrow, I am preparing the team for all the possible scenarios that can develop on the field. After all, we are not the only ones who play, there is also a rival. Therefore, it is very difficult to say how the game will develop tomorrow.

– How did you handle the removal of your compatriot Laszlo Beleni from Ghent?

– I have known Laszlo for a long time, our paths in football crossed. He played under my direction when I was working in Romania. Then we continued to communicate when we were already rivals in football. He is a very professional coach and a great specialist. I was very surprised to learn that he was fired so quickly after his appointment. The club bought 11 new players at once, almost the entire roster changed, and of course it needed more time to build a new combat-ready team in Ghent. I am confident that you will go through this episode of your life and continue to improve and achieve success.

– One of the brightest players in Ghent is Dynamo student Roman Yaremchuk. How would you rate your level?

– Roman is a very good striker. Now he is making progress in Ghent and that is good. There are many players in the Belgian league who will soon be able to prove themselves in the higher leagues. For Roman, as for others, this is the way to make this transition. He is a very good striker with great technique, he has a great sense of goal and a great scorer. Over the past year he has shown good progress and I am sure he is on the right track, ”said Lucescu.

Let us remind you that the first match of the Champions League play-off round “Gent” – “Dynamo” will take place on Wednesday 23 September. The meeting starts at 22:00 Kiev time.

Ghent – Dynamo. Prediction and announcement for the Champions League qualifying playoff game