- Calendar year differs from football season, so we’ll make real conclusions only in spring. So far I can only estimate our performances in the first part of the season.
- What’s your verdict?
- Speaking about results we’ve demonstrated, autumn of 2016 was a failure. The team tumbled out of the Champions League, besides we’re lacking far behind FC Shakhtar Donetsk in domestic league. On the other hand, our failures have let us see our mistakes. Everything could have been better. We were just unlucky in many games. Maybe the thing is that last year we didn’t make conclusions we have to make now.
- What went wrong in your opinion?
- I guess it’s not right for me to estimate decisions of coaches and players’ work. Coaching staff must analyze mistakes not to make them again. My task is to do whatever it takes to let player and coaches unlock their potential.
- It’s hard to say when the number of fans at Dynamo games was as poor as last autumn. What can you say about that?
- I realize that people go to the stadium to see top level football. If their number is decreasing this means that football we demonstrate doesn’t satisfy them. Still there are other reasons. For example, I don’t think it was wise to appoint out game against Shakhtar for the second decade of December. We’re also not responsible for service, security etc. Other bodies must do their job well too. Anyway it’s not an excuse. Our team must play much more spectacularly. I’m sure we have great army of fans and if we do better they’ll come back.
- Are you satisfied with players, who performed for Dynamo in autumn?
- I can’t say I am. On the other hand we saw Dynamo future in autumn. It’s not just about our success in the UEFA Youth League. Our youngsters won the Ukrainian league almost in every age group. What makes me really happy is that they already struggle for place in the first team. Viktor Tsyhankov competes for starting spot against Paraguay international Derlis Gonzalez, Artem Besedin – against experienced Junior Moraes. At this rate we’ll stop looking for enforcement abroad while scouts will be looking for talents among young Kyivans.
- Don’t you think in such situation Dynamo can become a kind of “donor” that sells best players?
- Of course I want best players to feature for Dynamo. Is this possible today? Best players will be willing to perform for Dynamo only when we have really good league. I think it’s possible in Ukraine.
- Is there anything positive you can say about 2016?
- Sure! In 2016 we became champions of Ukraine and won the Super Cup. We saw a group of players, who’re ready to become the future of our team! This year Olexandr Shovkovskyi finished his phenomenal career. I want to thank him once again for everything he’s done for Dynamo and Ukrainian football!
Mykola Neseniuk, FC Dynamo Kyiv magazine, #6 (89).
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