Rezo Chokhonelidze joined www.fcdynamo.kiev.ua for a webchat with Dynamo fans to talk about his first 100 days at the club and future plans.
Expectations
When I joined Dynamo I knew what kind of job I landed. We had been negotiating with the club’s President Ihor Surkis for over a year before I finally accepted the offer. I want Dynamo to return its famed days and to become part of its history.
First 100-day spell
Over such a brief time period you cannot change the club’s mentality. Nor can you change the squad. We have hired a new head coach Semin and his new assistants. Also, our new fitness coach Vincenzo Pincolini has elaborated an individual program for every single player. 6 Dynamo-grown players are to gradually join the team. Fedorov and Velkevich, who had their contracts extended, left the club.
Coach
It takes time for any coach to mould a team. Semin is going to have at least two years to implement his task, his vision of the game. Although dynamo sets solely ambitious goals, the new manager is not going to be pressed for time. For instance, Semin will not have the aim to win in the First channel Cup, Semin’s first tourney with Dynamo.
Young prospects
Players now featuring in the Reserves league are young promising performers, but I will avoid giving the names. These guys realize they are going to be a part of the white-blue history. 70-80 per cent of Ukraine-grown footballers in the team, both from Dynamo and other clubs, is my optimum number. Besides, those loaned to other clubs have returned from the club are to prepare with the team for the spring games.
Seasoned footballers
With about six players to join the first team squad, I think some of our experienced players may face serious competition. In sport, it is a usual thing when the time comes and you and you have to part ways with people.
Transfers
Having Kravets, Dopilka, Zozulin on the roster, why buy foreigners? On the other hand, if an overseas player like, say, Kaka or Pato will evince to join us, the President is likely to sign them.
Match memories
We did well in the last game vs. Sporting. I also enjoyed 20 minutes of the encounter vs. Mahcester. Alas, with the current fitness level the footballers failed to retain the performance throughout the 90 minutes. It is this very factor [fitness level] that led to our poor European display this season.
In the Ukrainian league I would single out the match vs. our archrival Shakhtar. Although they may say the weather was on our side, we still played on equal terms.
