Ponomarov: LNZ can't use European schedule as excuse after Bukovyna draw

Vitaliy Ponomarov says LNZ have no excuses after being held to a goalless draw by Bukovyna in the Ukrainian Premier League opener, even with a demanding European schedule behind them. The Cherkasy side created plenty in the first half but could not find the net, and Ponomarov admitted that failing to convert those chances made the game more difficult than it needed to be. He also made clear the opposition deserved respect, pointing out that Bukovyna lost only once in the league last season. "Physiology cannot be fooled - recovery takes time," the coach said via the club's press service. "But if we want to play in Europe, we have to be ready for games every two or three days. When there is no energy left, you have to show character." Ponomarov reiterated that LNZ want to challenge for European qualification and will not use their recent two European matches as an alibi for dropping points.