- You used to call Valeriy Lobanovskyi a psychologist, who could make 20 players obey with one word. You must have used this ability to change the team so rapidly…
- It’s not right to compare me with Lobanovskyi. Of course what we’ve achieved within half a year gladdens me. There are positive changes in our play. We try to get on the right side of every performer. Still I can’t say that there are some rapid changes.
- Such performers as Younes Belhanda and Jeremain Lens weren’t really willing to feature for Dynamo until recently…
- I have good relations with all players. There was no need to persuade them. I guess they’ve just realized that we are sole team and they should fight for each other taking the field. That’s their desert. Coaches just let them see that when everyone plays just for himself it’s impossible to achieve positive result.
- Was winless streak in matches against Shakhtar caused by psychological problems or some play peculiarities?
- It’s difficult to answer questions not concerning my work. I’m glad this streak is over. I think victories against Shakhtar in Ukrainian Cup and UPL gave players confidence. Before the national cup final they were really dissatisfied with results we demonstrated. It was important to prove that we have a team.
- Still this season Dynamo lost points a couple of times unexpectedly, for example in the game against FC Olimpik Donetsk. Maybe the problem lies in players’ adaptation to new game style? Viktor Leonenko calls it an attempt to copy Barcelona play.
- Leonenko can say whatever he wants. Maybe he’s a competent authority for you, but not for us. There are people, who used to be good players, but after the end of their career didn’t get any special education and actually did nothing. Still some of them are called experts today. Should one take their words into account? For me journalists’ opinion is more important.
As for our game style, I disagree that it’s new for Dynamo. Ball control doesn’t mean that we play like Barcelona. We try to finish every attack with a shot.
- Being a player you said that you made doctors do whatever it takes to let you take the field. Are there such performers in Dynamo today?
- Medicine has made a great leap forward and injuries can be cured much quicker. Every player must be hundred per cent ready to take the field and realize that only his perfect conditions can benefit the team. Self-sacrificing is good, but it’s not always appropriate.
- Yevhen Makarenko, Serhiy Sydorchuk and Serhiy Rybalka got starting spots when you took charge of the team. Do they match your game conception?
- There’s competition in the team, which lets performers make headway. When we don’t play well coach can make substitutions. Someone uses his chance, someone doesn’t. Rybalka and Sydorchuk have used their chances. That’s what Andriy Yarmolenko also did in his day. This is football evolution.
- Before you became the head coach Miguel was the first team regular. Now he has to prove that he’s worth being among first eleven…
- I don’t think any play can have a guaranteed starting spot in Dynamo. We have a lot of internationals. Last year Miguel also missed some matches. I’m satisfied with his attitude to work. I hope he’ll keep demonstrating his professionalism. It took him a lot of time to recondition after the World Cup. He regained his best conditions about a month ago.
