Mikhailitchenko on Dynamo: A Legendary Player’s Take on the Upcoming Champions League Match
Aleksey Mikhailitchenko, a former Rangers player and Dynamo Kyiv legend, has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv. Mikhailitchenko, who spent five years with Rangers and won five league titles, believes that his fellow Ukrainians will prevail in the match. In an interview with BBC Sport Scotland, Mikhailitchenko stated, “I was born in Kyiv and played for Dynamo for 20 years. They are my team and I make them the favourite, even in Glasgow.”
The Road to the Champions League Play-Off Round
The match between Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv is the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Cyriel Dessers scoring the equalizer for Rangers in the last minute of the game. Dynamo Kyiv is unable to play European matches at home due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Rangers are temporarily rehoused at Hampden Park due to delayed construction work at Ibrox.
Mikhailitchenko believes that the atmosphere at Hampden Park will be different from playing at Ibrox, which could give Dynamo Kyiv an advantage. “Playing away from Ibrox will be more difficult for Rangers, whereas every match is an away game for Dynamo,” he said. Mikhailitchenko also praised the current Dynamo Kyiv team, stating that they have a good chance of reaching the Champions League play-off round.
Trophy-Laden Years with Rangers and Dynamo
Mikhailitchenko had a trophy-laden career with both Rangers and Dynamo Kyiv. He won back-to-back titles with Dynamo and Sampdoria in Italy before joining Rangers, where he won five league titles in a row from 1991 to 1996. Mikhailitchenko also won three cups with Rangers and was part of the team that reached the inaugural Champions League season in 1992-93.
Despite his success with Rangers, Mikhailitchenko’s heart belongs to Dynamo Kyiv. “Rangers, after Dynamo, are the first team in my heart, but unfortunately, Rangers and Celtic have swapped places since the nineties,” he said. Mikhailitchenko believes that Rangers will regain their former glory, stating, “I am sure Rangers will be the number one team again, there are ups and downs, and there will be an up soon.”
A Memorable Run in the Champions League
Mikhailitchenko’s favorite match with Rangers was the New Year derby against Celtic in 1994. Rangers won the match 4-2, with Mikhailitchenko scoring twice and Oleg Kuznetsov scoring one. “The game that stood out was the New Year derby at Celtic,” he said. “We won 4-2 and I scored twice and Oleg Kuznetsov scored one. Walter Smith and Archie Knox told everyone at training after that not to bother the Ukrainians for a week! There were many good memories, though.”
The Current State of Scottish Football
Mikhailitchenko’s comments on the current state of Scottish football are insightful. He believes that the Scottish Premiership has declined since his playing days, stating, “Sadly, I cannot compare the team now with the team I played in. It was full of great players, like McCoist, Durrant, Gough, and Laudrup.”
However, Mikhailitchenko is optimistic about the future of Scottish football. He believes that the country has a lot of talented young players and that the national team can reach the World Cup. “I am sure Rangers will be the number one team again, there are ups and downs, and there will be an up soon,” he said.
The War in Ukraine and Its Impact on Football
The ongoing war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the country’s football. Dynamo Kyiv is unable to play European matches at home, and the team has had to relocate to other countries to play their matches. Mikhailitchenko believes that the war has brought the Ukrainian people together, stating, “It has been a difficult time in Ukraine, but the people will never give up, so either it’s a positive outcome, or we continue as we are.”
Mikhailitchenko also drew parallels between Scotland and Ukraine, stating, “There are similarities between Scotland and Ukraine – the people are so patriotic.” He believes that the Ukrainian people will continue to support their team, despite the challenges they face.
A Personal Connection to Glasgow
Mikhailitchenko has a personal connection to Glasgow, having played for Rangers for five years. He will be bringing his youngest son to the match, who was born after he left Rangers. Mikhailitchenko hopes to catch up with some old friends and relive some of the good memories he made during his time in Glasgow.
The Future of Dynamo Kyiv
Mikhailitchenko believes that Dynamo Kyiv has a bright future ahead of them. The team has a good mix of experienced players and young talent, and they have been performing well in the Champions League. Mikhailitchenko stated, “I felt Dynamo were a bit better than Rangers, and they were devastated by the draw, but ultimately, it doesn’t make a great deal of difference to them.”
Dynamo Kyiv’s success in the Champions League will depend on their ability to adapt to different environments. Mikhailitchenko believes that the team’s experience playing away from home will be an advantage in the long run. “Every match is an away game for Dynamo,” he said.
Mikhailitchenko’s prediction for the match is that Dynamo Kyiv will prevail. He believes that the team has the talent and experience to overcome Rangers and reach the Champions League play-off round. However, he also acknowledges that the match will be close, stating, “It’s the only time I can’t fully support Rangers, but it will be close.”