- Raul, what is the main purpose of training sessions early in the preseason work period?
- In modern football one should pay attention to everything. We combine work on tactics and physical conditions. We’re getting back to usual rhythm.
Formerly players’ conditions were the top priority, but it’s time to forget about such methods.
- Will Dynamo keep using tactical scheme introduced by you and Serhiy Rebrov after he took charge of the team?
- Yes, we’ll keep improving the game model we had last year. Its main peculiarities are constant ball control and active pressure.
I think we have proper performers for this formation. They can play good creative football.
- Are there problems with any positions in your team at the moment?
- After Yevhen Makarenko picked up an injury we faced problems with the position of left back. We tried to use Burda, Vida, Danilo Silva, but unfortunately they don’t switch from defense to attack the way Yevhen does. That’s why we informed president that we need left lateral. As for other positions, everything is fine more or less.
- Didn’t Roman Bezus, who’s left Dynamo, match your tactical scheme?
- As for Roman, he’s a good player and person, but we have fierce competition for this position. Many performers lay claims upon it – Belhanda, Miguel Veloso, Sydorchuk. Roman is young, he needs game practice, so we’ve let him go.
- You’ve introduced interesting training exercises players really like. Does work become more effective when exercises boost spirits?
- We don’t want players to relax as they must stay focused, but it doesn’t mean that training sessions can’t be interesting and entertaining. Still we demand dedication from our performers.
- When will you start getting ready for matches against EA Guingamp?
- We’re getting ready for the second half of the season in general. As for Guingamp, we’ll focus our attention on this team about a week before the game.
- Did you communicate with Serhiy Rebrov during vacation?
- We talked every week. I asked him whether he had any ideas as for potential newcomers.
- Now that preseason work is in full play how much do you communicate with Rebrov?
- Well, I communicate with him more than with my wife. Football is in our blood, we care about the team and discus possible problems all the time.
- How many hours a day do you think about football?
- (laughing) I can’t be sure, but I guess I spend eight-ten hours a day working. I fall asleep and wake up thinking about football. It’s already a problem (smiling).
- When you just joined Dynamo you said that the ideal game model for you was the one Bayern Munich used. Still football is changing constantly. What can you say about that now?
- I still think that game model Guardiola introduces can be an exemplar. There’s specific order in every team he works with, besides Josep always leaves his imprint, like he did in Barcelona. One can learn a lot from this coach. Still one should remember that not everyone has such performers as Guardiola.
Ihor Bondarenko
* photos by A. Lukatskyi
Copyright © 2015 FC Dynamo Kyiv
