Viktor Lazarenko: "There was a moment when Yarmolenko called: "I'm coming back, talk to Desna"

Viktor Lazarenko, the first coach of the former leader of "Dynamo" Andriy Yarmolenko, talked about the interesting milestones of his pupil's career.

— After the autumn matches of the national team and the disqualification of Anatoly Tymoshchuk by the Ukrainian Football Association, Andriy Yarmolenko became the record holder of the Ukrainian national team in terms of the number of matches played and surpassed Andriy Shevchenko himself. Could you believe it when you coached Andrei?

— When I first saw him, I thought: "This guy has to play." In September 2001, Oleksandr Ustenko and I accepted this team - boys born in 1989, we went to a tournament in Kyiv, Andriy was recognized as the best player. Even then, one of the trainers approached me and said: "Let's take Andryukha to France." I didn't start communicating with Andriy's parents, because at that time I simply could not imagine how the boy would go abroad.

After the tournament, all participants went to the match of the Ukrainian national team. I remember Andriy Shevchenko scored a goal, and I said to Yarmolenko: "What, Andryukha, do you want to play this kind of football?" - He answered: "I want!" - perhaps it will be too verbose, but when I saw his eyes at the same time, I believed that he would play.

Andriy didn't just want to play, such fanaticism and dedication to football was rare to see. He stayed after training, he was injured - and he goes out to play, you replace him, and he sits and cries... According to his desire, he did not give in to anyone. When Yarmolenko moved to Dynamo Kyiv, I can say frankly that only I was in favor. Many people said: "It's too early, let him play here..." Although it was difficult. There was a moment when Andriy called, said: "I'm coming back, talk to Desna to take me back." He already has Bakun (Serhiy, at that time the acting head coach of "Desna" - ed.) called, said that he would be accepted. But I advised him: "Go to Yura Kalitvintsev, the coach of the Dynamo youth team, and talk." Kalitvintsev explained that Yarmolenko is needed. And then Andriy found his coach, the one who believed in him...

— Do you think Andrii did not move from the English Premier League to the UAE Championship this summer for nothing?

— I would like him to stay in Europe. In the same Spain. But as his agent seems to have said: "We went to Al Ain because there were no offers." I think that the money issue is not the key for Andrii. The fact that he was going to see his coach, Rebrov, played a role. Now the game of "Al Ain", in many ways, is conducted precisely because of him, he has already started to meet the standards. I see that the team accepts him. At West Ham, there was complete rejection - because of Andriy, they almost did not play when he scored, they were wary. It's surprising, knowing Yarmolenko's sociability... They let him play in Al-Ain.

— Will Andrii manage to become the record holder of the national team not only by the number of matches, but also by the number of goals?

— I think so. The main thing is how the war will continue. Although the group in the selection for the European Championship was such that it is not clear who will score (Ukraine's opponents were the teams of Malta, Italy, North Macedonia and England - ed.)... The main thing is that it does not sit in his head. Because usually, when it is necessary, it does not work out... Although it is worth remembering that Andrii Shevchenko was a pure striker, he never played in the national team. And Yarmolenko is an attacking midfielder. And to score so many goals while playing in his position is already an achievement.

— It is known that Andriy helped Chernigov during and after the siege of the city. Know something more about it?

- No. The only thing I wrote to him was: "We are proud of you, you are doing everything right." Things speak for themselves. I see how he helps. This is something to be proud of.

— When, in your opinion, will Ukraine celebrate the victory over Russia?

— I would really like it to end sooner. I think that by the spring of 2023, the issue will be resolved.

Serhii Karas