Ihor Kostyuk, FC Dynamo Kyiv February 10, 2026, 1:23 p.m

The head coach of Dynamo Kyiv Ihor Kostyuk commented on the preparation of the “white and blue” for the second half of the season, and also talked about his updated coaching staff.

“The meeting in Turkey is a key stage in the formation of the physical foundation, interaction and game automatism. Of course, we have coaches for speed and functional training. Together with them, we developed a detailed training plan.

A video analyst and a functional training coach have joined our coaching staff. There are moments that need to be improved during the existence of the team and its preparation. That is why we invited specialists in these areas.

Macei Kendzorek left the previous headquarters. After communicating with him and understanding the level of his knowledge as a specialist, a decision was made to continue cooperation. I am sure that his experience will be useful to us. They also left the physical training coach Vitaly Kuliba, who has been working in the team for quite some time, has cooperated with many coaches and has a great deal of knowledge.

Mykhailo Fedunov will work with the goalkeepers, I like his approach to the training process. Experienced Taras Lutsenko, who has been part of Dynamo’s structure for many years, will also work. In addition, functional training trainer Volodymyr Klymenko joined us, and Volodymyr Malitsky joined the scientific group.

Together with me from the U-19 team came my assistant Oleg Venglynskyi and Serhii Shepel from the scientific group. All these specialists are professionals who understand their business well and have human qualities that are important for the team. At the same time, we are always looking for specialists who can be useful to the team.

There are no secrets in preparation. Planning starts with a calendar. We start from the first tour after the winter break, determine the terms necessary for preparation. We work with a date template in which we enter match days with the expectation of recovery and special work. After that, together with the physical training trainers, we plan the days when the corresponding load is performed. Next, together with assistants, we detail and fill the plan with special work. At the same time, this plan is not final – there are always moments in the process that require immediate correction.

The players clearly understand that they will play better. Training takes place five times a week, and there is only one game, so if there is no competitive thirst and one hundred percent return in training, you should not expect it during matches.

Dynamo is building a modern game model: vertical, zonal, intensive, with an emphasis on speed of decisions and efficiency. A fan must recognize Dynamo on the field.

My experience proves that talent and willingness to solve problems are more important than a passport. Those who want to win and burn with passion, who think and take responsibility will play. As for the matches, of course I watch when I have the opportunity. It was interesting to watch Xabi Alonso, how Bayer played him, and what situations he faced at Real.

During the time of Valery Lobanovskyi, who brought football into the realm of numbers, we realized that it is no longer just a sport. Compared to my playing career, the attitude towards the game has changed significantly. Now football is a complex process that includes high technology and global media. My view of football has become deeper and more complex. I understand that modern football is not only a game on the field, but also a lot of work outside it.

How different are the specifics of working with the first team and the U-19 team? The principles are similar, but everything is decided by the speed of thinking and responsibility for each action. There is no time for pauses.

We have leaders and experienced players in the team who share their experience and are an example for young players. In my experience as a player and coach, this kind of support is very important, because it strengthens the team spirit and contributes to the development of each player. Of course, the coach can do without such support, but it complicates the process and reduces the effectiveness of the team. The balance is formed individually and depends on the capabilities and needs of the team at a specific moment. Young players add energy and dynamism, while experienced players provide stability, discipline and leadership on the pitch.

Work with legionnaires? For this, there are theoretical classes, interviews and training. In the process of work, the players gradually understand my requirements and emotions better. These nuances improve their effectiveness. In this way, they become better,” the press service of the White-Blues quoted Kostyuk as saying.

We will remind you that yesterday, February 9, Dynamo held two sparring matches in one day, in which they beat Kudrivka (2:1) and Iberia 1999 (2:0).