FC Dynamo Kyiv makes significant progress despite UEFA Champions League fail, coach Shovkovskyi says

Despite this outcome, head coach Oleksandr Shovkovskyi is sure that the club is on the right track, and highlighted the significant progress the team has made compared to last year's setbacks.

He reflected on the Dynamo's progress in his statement.

"We'll definitely analyze this performance further," he said.

"It's a completely different level — Champions League matches. I'm proud of the team, their attitude, and their work. We pushed hard at the beginning, but unfortunately, we conceded a goal on the counterattack, even though we had our chances."

"This experience is invaluable. Many players are playing on the international stage for the first time, and they’ve seen that it’s a different level altogether, with faster gameplay. This is what we strive for in our work—to improve both individual and team performance."

"I've always told my players that the only person they should compare themselves to is who they were in the past. The only person they need to be better than is who they are now."

"I believe we've undoubtedly taken a big step forward, and I think we're on the right path. We must keep moving forward. After last year's disappointing international campaign, I think we've made tremendous progress, and this is just the beginning—I’m confident of that," concluded Shovkovskyi.

The first match between Dynamo and Salzburg ended in a 2-0 victory for the Austrian side.

Dynamo Kyiv earlier advanced past Serbia's Partizan (6-2, 3-0) and Scotland's Rangers (1-1, 2-0) in the Champions League qualifiers.