Upon signing the new two-year contract with FC Dynamo Kyiv, halfback of our team Olexandr Karavayev shared his impressions with club media:
- It feels really good. Throughout the last couple of months, I was discussing things with my family, we considered all pros and cons. Eventually we decided that I should stay. When I was signing my first contract with Dynamo four years ago, you asked me what my goals were. Well, they haven’t changed. Back then I said I wanted to win trophies with Dynamo which we did. I want to experience those emotions again by winning the league.
- You’ve won five trophies with Dynamo. Is that a good result?
- It’s good, but could have been better. There’re different circumstances, opponents, but still it’s all in our hands. Now I’m motivated as never before. We’re doing our best to improve our football. The last season was a failure, but it’s something we can work on.
- What was the key factor that persuaded you to stay?
- My ambitions. When I was staring my professional career, I aimed to play for a top club and the national team. And I did. In general, I estimate my career as a really good one. I want to keep this up.
- During these four years you became a true soul of the team. Did you ask teammates for any advice on whether you should stay?
- Sure. Late in the last season Mykola Shaparenko asked about my plans and I said I hadn’t made a decision at that point. He said he would support any decision of mine, but he would be glad if I stay. Olexandr Andriyevskyi told me the same. Then I called Serhiy Sydorchuk to ask for his vision of the situation. Later Andriy Yarmolenko called me. It was really nice to know that guys support me. Support of teammates and coaches motivates to achieve better results.
- What exactly did Andriy Yarmolenko tell you? Did he ask you to stay?
- No, it’s a tough choice a player must make by himself. Andriy said he wouldn’t give me any advice, but he expressed his opinion and his attitude to me. We’re good friends and he said he would be glad if I stay. It was really nice to hear that. As I’ve said, that motivates a lot. Next season we’ll be doing things differently to succeed.
- What changed in the team as Yarmolenko came back?
- All Dynamo youngsters need to understand that Andriy is a nice, kind, honest and open person. They say “star”. Well, he is a star or maybe even a legend, but he remains a good person. He’ll always help is someone needs that. I’m sure the return of Andriy will be a positive impulse for the guys. They’ll learn to be true professionals and decent people. He’ll motivate them to reach the level where players like Andriy Yarmolenko perform.
- A few seasons ago Dynamo were considered to be a young team. Now you have quite enough experienced players. Have you got stronger as a team?
- I believe so. Last season we had a rebuilding stage. Some guys reached a certain level and left the team. Some players were injured, besides we got new youngsters. Now we have a balance of experience and youth.
- Mircea Lucescu has done a few motivational speeches already. What were those about?
- It’s all about setting most ambitious goals. There’s nothing but the first place for us. When he just came, we had young Zabarnyi, Mykolenko, and he was telling them the same. And now you know where they play. Lucescu wants young players to understand that they’ll have the same chance if they do what they’re told to.
