Former striker of Dynamo Kyiv Maxim Shatskikh commented on his appointment as the head coach of Pakhtakor Tashkent.
Maxim Shatskikh- Maxim, how did the option of working as a head coach at Pakhtakor arise? Did they think for a long time, and with whom did they consult before they gave their consent?
- This proposal is from the category of those that do not often happen in life, so I did not hesitate for a long time, but answered “Yes” almost immediately.
— You didn’t have the experience of working independently as a head coach, when did you realize that you were ready for a new challenge?
“There is always a first time for something. In addition, I had experience of working as an assistant head coach in such a top team as Dynamo Kiev. I successfully completed coaching courses, received a diploma, I am familiar with the mentality and peculiarities of life in Uzbekistan. I was born in Tashkent, I started my football career here, I defended the colors of the national team for 16 years and I am very happy that now I have a chance to prove myself as a coach. It is important to morally feel support in your endeavors.
- Who is on your coaching staff?
- There are two Ukrainian coaches in my headquarters - Vitaliy Shpanyuk and Vyacheslav Belyaev. Also a local analytics trainer and another local specialist.
- What are the tasks facing Pakhtakor for the season?
- "Pakhtakor" is the current champion of Uzbekistan, therefore, the tasks for the current season are maximum. You can draw a parallel with Dynamo Kyiv - win everything in your country, and leave the group in the Champions League.
— Name your main coaching principles and requirements.
- Play as the first number, demonstrate team speed, decision-making speed, if you lose the ball, immediately try to return it, applying pressure in the shortest possible time. Strictly follow the instructions of the coach, adhere to game discipline.
In the process of training, we will introduce new methods and techniques for the team that have not been used here before. There is a lot of work to be done, and there is very little time before the start of the season (August 1), so we will have to speed up the preparations.
- What style of play will you instill in your team, what do you see Pakhtakor playing?
- The team's aggressive style of play often leads to victories, provided that the above requirements are met. I want to see a well-played team with thinking players who are focused on winning in every match. It is important to constantly improve the skill level of the players and the team game in general, to please your fans with the game and the results.
- Which of the coaches would you like to imitate?
- I follow football, both domestic and foreign, but I will not imitate anyone. Copying will not lead to good, because each team has its own conditions, requirements, opportunities.
At the same time, I will try to take into service all the best, without this it is impossible, because football does not stand still and it is impossible to lag behind improvements in any case.
- Should we expect Pakhtakor to become stronger with new players, and are there representatives of Ukraine among the potential newcomers?
- Strengthening is necessary, but the problem is that there is a limit on legionnaires, so the issue of buying foreigners needs to be carefully considered. Ukrainian football players are in demand in many clubs and Pakhtakor is no exception, but so far I cannot name specific names.
Victor Peregnyak
