He’s really become the part of FC Dynamo Kyiv and got in with players and coaching staff.
- Christian, when did your cooperation with FC Dynamo Kyiv start?
- It all started in 1997 as Dynamo faced Barry Town FC in the Champions League qualification. We got in touch with Kyivans and presented our company that worked with European football clubs during international matches. The White-Blues agreed to cooperate with us that time and we arranged full monty for their voyage: hotel, transport, guests, journalists. I came to Cardiff and did everything for Dynamo delegation.
The following year Dynamo faced Barry Town in the Champions League qualification again and we also cooperated with Kyiv side. Direction of the club was satisfied with our work and asked whether we could arrange Dynamo trips not only to Britain. We agreed.
- What teams did you cooperate with before Dynamo?
- We used to work with great clubs, such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and with some national teams. By the way, we also cooperated with the Football Federation of Ukraine.
I founded my own agency in 1996.
- You are Dynamo loyal fan. When did this love come up?
- I guess it appeared gradually. Working with the team I got acquainted with staff and players. About ten yeas ago we started arranging Dynamo training camps. Thus I spend about two-three months with Kyivans every year. Eventually Dynamo became important personally for me. It’s a pleasure to cooperate with such great club.
- Can you summarize Dynamo first training camp of the year that took place in Marbella?
- Everything was fine. Players enjoyed time at Melia La Quinta hotel. There’s whatever is required for good rest. Training pitches were ideal. Coaching staff had no claims.
- What country is ideal for training camps?
- It depends upon requirements of coach. There are all the things needed for training camp in many countries of Europe. Speaking about summer preseason work, the best location for that is Austria. In winter the best option is Spain. Here we can arrange a lot of sparrings for Dynamo. That’s very important.
- You used to work with a lot of Dynamo coaches. Who impressed you the most?
- All coaches are different, so I don’t think I should compare them, but I’m proud that the first Dynamo coach I worked with was great Valeriy Lobanovskyi.
- Do you follow Dynamo matches when you are not with the team?
- I follow every game! Every weekend I watch Dynamo matches online. That’s more than just club I cooperate with. Many people, who work for this team, are true friends of mine. I wish the White-Blues success and when I have time I come to Kyiv eagerly.
- Still Dynamo are probably not the only team you support…
- Yes, in Britain I have a favourite team – StockportCountyFC. They feature in Conference North. As for two super clubs from Manchester – I prefer City.
I also spend a lot of time in Spain. My favourite team here are Malaga CF.
- Whom will you support if Malaga or Manchester City face Dynamo?
- Of course Dynamo! Kyivans are always #1 for me!
Ihor Bondarenko
* photo by A. Lukatskyi
Copyright © 2015 FC Dynamo Kyiv
