- Today it’s difficult to recall how we got ourselves familiar with each other. Our relations are based not only on football.
- Is it comfortable for you to work alongside Ihor Surkis?
- Different situations occur, even disputed ones, but they always concern work. In everyday life we have good relations. It’s comfortable for me to work with him. Of course criticism exists as results demonstrated by our team are not satisfactory, but that’s okay.
- How did Ihor Surkis support you when you had health problems last year?
- There is difference between human and professional relations. When I checked into hospital Surkis family helped me. When I lost my parents Ihor and Hryhoriy Surkis also supported me and I’m thankful for that. No matter what I think I’ll always have friendly relations with them.
- There is such notion as “football man”. Is Ihor Surkis that kind of person?
- Speaking about that I can criticize him a bit (smiling). As a president he knows what is what in football, but anyway he can’t be as good at that as head coach, who works with the team every day. Ihor Mykhailovych cares too much, that’s why we lack mutual understanding sometimes.
- They say that Ihor Mykhailovych parts with money easily as he puts his heart into the team…
- He adores football, that’s why he falls over himself for Dynamo. I can’t imagine Ihor or Hryhoriy Surkis, who used to be the president of our club, acting in a different way.
- Do you remember your longest telephone conversation?
- I remember the shortest one (smiling). It contained only one phrase: “Call me back tomorrow”.
- Do you mean that Ihor Surkis is not very expressional?
- I think it depends upon the character. Sometimes I’m also very emotional. It’s quite natural. Still I think one should calm down before discussing any issues.
- Does president’s trust help you?
- Trust can’t be boundless. Supporters and media also influence the situation. Some pressure exists. Anyway trust is vital, especially at a pinch.
- Do you consider 55 years to be a kind of Rubicon of matureness and wisdom?
- Our president’s parents are long-livers and I also want to congratulate them as they’ve been together for more that 60 years already. Age is a boundary, which makes a person aim for even greater success. We stay kids until our parent are alive. First of all I want to wish Ihor Mykhailovych good health. I hope he’ll celebrate many more anniversaries.
- President’s dream is to bring European trophy to Kyiv…
- I think he has enough time to live out this dream. Still it will take some time as fundamental preparation is necessary. Temporary success means nothing. The team must stay promising for years. So I think I shouldn’t promise that in we’ll win the UEFA Champions League soon.
