Head coach Miroslav Koubek and midfielder Lukáš Kalvach answered questions at the pre-match press conference.
Do you see the importance of tomorrow´s game in the sense that you can take a big step towards promotion?
We still have four games to play including tomorrow´s game. If we look at the fact that we have three very tough opponents after that, tomorrow´s game is the one we need to focus on. Dynamo Kiev will be measured for the game as well, as they don´t have a single point in the competition yet and will want to do something about it.
Where do you see Dynamo´s biggest strength?
It is a team that is made up of mobile and dynamic players. The speed component of the team is very good. This is also related to the transition to attack and the ability to play intense football. This is a good team. Dynamo´s lack of results in Europe is related to the fact that they had a very difficult draw. In any case, we must not underestimate them. Dynamo Kiev is and always will be a European brand that has quality.
In the middle of the league phase you are the best of the Czech clubs in terms of points. How are you happy about that?
It´s pleasing, but I would also like to stress that it´s something that can´t be measured very much. We play different competitions. Right now we have six points, but we have to work to get more. At the moment, it´s a good starting position for kind of part of the league phase.
Do you consider yourself the favourite for tomorrow´s game?
Playing away is always harder and we are playing against a quality team. Of course, we know we also have our quality, in which case I say fifty-fifty.
During your active playing years Dynamo was a really big European brand. How did you perceive it then?
It was a great era. They won the Cup Winners´ Cup twice. They played excellent football that was great to watch.
At the moment you are the most successful Czech representative in this year´s European Cup. Do you feel that tomorrow´s game can bring you a lot closer to the playoffs?
We definitely perceive that we can take an important step towards advancing to the spring phase of the Europa League. I believe that we are well prepared for that and we will manage tomorrow´s game against Dynamo Kiev.
I´m sure you have your opponent in mind. Dynamo Kiev is a quality team, but the results don´t match it yet. What do you think?
Dynamo´s position in the Europa League table doesn´t reflect how good a team they are. They dominate the Ukrainian league and certainly have quality players. We are not expecting anything easy. They must feel that they have failed to win so far and they will want to break it. We have to be as prepared as possible and play the game the way we have been playing it. I believe we have a great chance to win here and take a step towards promotion tomorrow.
What is the complication of not having a pre-match training session at the main stadium?
I wouldn´t say it´s a complication at all. We were more looking forward to being able to train in a stadium like this. There´s nothing we can do. We´ll practice next door and play here tomorrow.
Both teams are practically playing away games. Could that be an advantage?
Dynamo have played two games here, so they have a little experience with the pitch and stadium. Maybe a little advantage for them. As far as I know, around 5,000 people are expected to turn up, so we won´t have the same atmosphere as in Frankfurt. Which is a pity.
Which Dynamo Kiev players will you have to focus on?
Definitely on the centre players Shaparenko, Brazhko, they are the basis of the game. And then, of course, the offensive players. They have a national striker at the top, so that´s a big strength. They have dynamic players who understand the ball. We have to watch these players and not give them space.