The president of Dynamo Kyiv, Ihor Surkis, commented on the results of the draw of the Europa League group stage, in which, let's remind, our team ended up in the same quartet with the French "Rennes", the Turkish "Fenerbahce" and the Cypriot AEK.
Ihor Surkis (photo: fcdynamo.kiev.ua)— Igor Mykhailovych, how do you like the draw of the Europa League group stage?
— Very strong rivals. There is a feeling that we are playing in the Champions League group. Rennes, like us, recently played in this tournament, it is a very serious team that makes quality transfers every year. We all saw how Cypriot AEK beat Dnipro-1 twice. I am completely silent about Fenerbahce, this team is getting stronger and stronger every month. I'm sure they want to take revenge on us and take revenge, so the matches will be very interesting. And I assure you, they will not concede anything to the Champions League games. I may not be very happy with the draw, but our players will surely become more experienced and stronger playing against big-name opponents.
— Do you think the team has already recovered psychologically from the humiliating defeat in the Champions League qualification?
- It is necessary to live on and not touch the past! Yes, unfortunately, this time we objectively did not succeed. Benfica were stronger but we wanted to achieve the feat. It is clear that the two-month round-the-clock meetings, constant moving and life without families have taken their toll. The collectors were not at home for six months at all... It is hard to even imagine how valuable the celebration of the victory of the Kyivans in the qualification would be for our people. To the people who are heroically fighting against the Russians... I'm sorry, I can't find the words to describe these scoundrels, these inhumans who are killing our women and children. The victory of "Dynamo" over "Benfica" could be perceived in the same way as Usyk's victory over Joshua! Bravo! He is an example for all of us to emulate. I constantly tell the guys that you are the sports face of the country and you should fight for your people. Trust me, they understand it perfectly! But some might have to reconsider their attitude towards football. Our victories are ahead! And not only football ones.
— In connection with a serious Europa League group, do you plan to strengthen the team?
— No Ukrainian team currently has the opportunity to purchase quality reinforcements. Foreigners simply refuse to go to Ukraine. Honor and praise to our coach, who at the age of 77, despite all recommendations to postpone the idea of the team's return to Ukraine, not only insisted on our return, but also showed by his example what love and honor are! He works with our students, Ukrainian football players and one Pole. And with this line-up, we will go out on the field again and fight again to please our fans.
— Will there be losses in the warehouse?
— The transfer market is open. If there is an offer for a footballer, we sit down and start negotiations. I tell you this officially: there will be an offer - there will be a conversation.
