Dynamo’s Preparations for the Europa League Qualifiers
Ihor Kostyuk, head coach of FC Dynamo Kyiv, has shared details about the team’s training camp in Austria ahead of their Europa League qualifying matches. The squad played its first friendly, drawing 1-1 against Czech side Slavia. The camp atmosphere is positive, with players returning from their holidays in good spirits. Kostyuk emphasized that the team understands there are no easy opponents in the Europa League qualifiers and that the draw results were met with calm acceptance.
Planned Friendly Matches
All Dynamo players have completed medical check-ups, except for those who traveled directly to Austria. Players involved with their national teams are expected to join the squad in the coming days. The following friendly matches are scheduled during the camp:
- Žilina (Slovakia)
- Wieczysta Kraków (Poland)
- LASK (Austria)
A fourth opponent is yet to be confirmed.
In the first qualifying round of the Europa League, Dynamo will face Romanian side Universitatea Cluj. The matches are set for July 9 and 16. Notably, Andriy Yarmolenko will not participate in European competitions. According to Kostyuk, as reported by Ihor Burbas,
“Do not expect Yarmolenko at the training camp. To be frank, he has finished—at least with European competitions and his international career.”
Dynamo is thus actively gearing up for crucial European fixtures, focusing on squad preparation to deliver a strong performance in the Europa League qualifiers. Yarmolenko’s absence underscores the need to strengthen the roster and help players adapt to new conditions, particularly through these friendly matches that will serve as a key phase in readying the team for official games. The outcomes of the camp and friendlies could significantly impact the squad’s morale before the European campaign begins.
As Dynamo Kyiv prepares for their upcoming Europa League qualifiers, understanding their potential opponents is crucial. On June 16, the team will find out who they will face in the competition, which adds to the anticipation surrounding their training camp in Austria. To learn more about the draw and its implications for Dynamo's strategy, visit this article.