Being a footballer, Anatoliy Demyanenko participated in the USSR Cup final for the last time between Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk back in 1985. At that time the current club’s coach opened the score with a cannon strike into Shakhtar’s goal. Demyanenko himself obtained four USSR Cups. He struggled out the victory in the national Cup in 2006, being a coach already. His team squeezed past FC Metalurh Zaporizhya.
Jump high
“Final is a final, - Kyiv players coach says. – It doesn’t matter who you’re competing with, anyway it’s not that easy. If it’s a Cup format, where the struggle restricts with one or two matches, every rival is able to pull himself together and get ahead. That’s why so many unexpected results occur within the relegation play-offs. The current tournament is a shining example of it”.
Dynamo working out penalties
This year final is extremely important for Dynamo, as it coincides with the anniversary of the club. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises, Kyiv players are preparing seriously. In particular, they were working out the after-match penalties during the last training.
Dynamo working out penalties
“We want this 80th anniversary to be a special one for us, - Demyanenko goes on. – Moreover, our matches against Shakhtar are always in the center of football attention. Needless to say how awaited the victory is among our fans. Matches like this require utmost discretion in all aspects: psychological training, match practice, staff problems, and surely physical conditioning, as the season is about to wind up”.
Last chance for Shakhtar
There’s no need to incite Dynamo players against Shakhtar. Kyiv footballers got a full comprehension that Mircea Lucescu’s team, left with bleak chances to preserve champion’s title, will be resolute about winning the Cup final.
Premium and prestige
Were there any bonuses Dynamo management predicted to award after winning the rival of principle? “I guess, once we finish top, players’ efforts will be appreciated in a proper way. However, in my opinion, this is not the premium the guys should compete for, but a prestige – personal and team. And it doesn’t matter who your opponent is, what place the referees come from and so on. We should step out on the field and fight till the end”.
