Dynamo midfielder Vladyslav Kabaiev in an exclusive comment to the club’s official website shared his emotions from meeting with fans and spoke about his expectations for the summer training camp and the new season.
– Today Dynamo is holding a meeting with fans ahead of the summer training camp. What are your impressions of this event?
– It is not the first time Dynamo has organized such events, and I am very happy to take part in them. A lot of fans came today, especially children. When I was young, there were no such events, and it was only possible to see footballers on television. I see happiness in the eyes of the kids, and their parents ask us for advice on how to achieve success – it is very pleasant. Before the start of the season, such meetings fill you with energy, because you know that you play for the fans. I am always open to such dialogue.
– What can you say about the support of the fans today?
– A lot of supporters came today, I did not even expect that many. It is very pleasing that fans of different ages came.
– The break between the previous season and this year’s training camp turned out to be shorter. How did you spend your vacation?
– I did not play for the last 4-5 months because of an injury, but I cannot say that I had a lot of rest, because I was going through recovery. I rested at home, but I also worked. I’m looking forward to working with the ball on the pitch. If we had become champions, the break would have been longer, but we are to blame ourselves for how everything turned out.
– You are preparing for a return after injury. Can we expect a new Kabaiev in the new season?
– Of course, I could say loud words, but I am 30, I am already an experienced footballer. Yes, I missed a lot, I understand that the young players are already breathing down my neck. But there is the example of Andriy Yarmolenko – if people trust you and you bring benefit to the team, then nobody will look at your age. You simply have to constantly improve and try to devote yourself to football as much as possible, and football will one hundred percent reward you for it.
– Dynamo have not started summer training camps this early for a long time. Will this have an impact on the team’s preparation?
– No, it will not affect us in any way. Two years ago, we had the experience of Europa League matches in January. Everything is normal, we depend on this schedule, and therefore we adapt to it.
– The upcoming season is special for Dynamo – the club will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Does this significant date provide special motivation before the new season?
– When you put on the Dynamo shirt, you feel all the responsibility. Dynamo must always be among the best, especially on such a date. We understand this and strive to do everything to improve our results this season.
– The World Cup starts on June 11. Do you plan to watch the matches? Who will you support at the tournament?
– As you get older, you have less opportunity to watch football, because it is necessary to devote time to your children. And in general, there is not much free time. In addition, the World Cup matches will be played late by European time, and during that period at the training camp I will be resting after two training sessions a day. If there is an opportunity, then of course we will watch with the guys. The World Cup is a high level, everyone dreams of getting to such a tournament.
I cannot name a favorite. I think this time we should expect many surprises.
