In an interview with journalist Igor Tsyganik, President of Dynamo Kyiv Ihor Surkis answered pressing questions related to the life of the club.
Igor Surkis- Now there are many questions about the fate of Lucescu. Perhaps this is where the conversation should start.
- I have no prejudice in this regard. Lucescu performs his duties professionally. We all hope that after the New Year he will make the team that will delight our fans.
- There is an opinion that the summer charity tour took away a lot of strength from Dynamo football players, which then was not enough for the season. Do you agree with this?
- This is just an opinion. But this tour took away not only physical strength. Each of these charity matches was more intense than any official match. Because our Ukrainian children, refugees, approached the football players. A sea of difficult emotions... There was no time for football.
But we wanted to go out and show that our country lives. In addition, with the help of these matches, some money was raised to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our refugees. During the broadcasts of matches, there was a barcode on the screen, and everyone who wished to contribute to the struggle of Ukraine - someone hryvnia, someone ten hryvnia. Neither then nor now do we doubt that victory in this war will be ours.
We just played an incredible number of matches. If I'm not mistaken, 18. We traveled all over Europe. Sometimes, they moved from place to place at night. And by buses, and by trains, and by planes. At the same time, it was not always possible to manage to book first-class hotels. In addition, we took on the Ukrainian artists who performed at these matches, the stage for them and everything connected with it. But on the other hand, we raised money that went to help Ukrainians who suffered from the war. Therefore, I think we did a noble deed, and I do not regret anything. Even despite the fact that in such circumstances, of course, we did not have any preparation for the season.
- It seemed that the matches with Benfica in the Champions League qualification became a turning point for Dynamo. This is true?
— Benfica was a tough team for us. We were convinced of this by the matches. But the guys terribly believed that they would be able to break into the group stage of the Champions League. I met with the team after Fenerbahce and Sturm were passed, and I can say that I have never seen such confidence in the guys in their abilities.
But Benfica turned out to be a class above us. Including the selection of players. At the same time, if you remember, between our first and second match with Benfica, they postponed the match in the Portuguese championship. So our rival in all respects was systematically preparing for this two-match confrontation. And then, already at the group stage of the Champions League, Benfica showed that even if it is not a contender for victory in the tournament, it will certainly get on the nerves of any opponent.
Almost four months have passed since our matches with Benfica. We must not sprinkle ashes on our heads. We must draw conclusions. Everyone should do it: me, the coach, the team. And move on. When Lucescu joined the team, we didn't have a roster - eight or nine people were injured then. But he entrusted Popov, Zabarny, Sirota to play. Then they were football players who could not even dream that they would be the players of the main squad. But they played and grew up! It seems to me that now the same thing should be done in winter. We have the most talented youth. She needs to be attracted. And, believe me, such an experienced coach as Lucescu will be able to create a combat-ready team.
- Is Besedin leaving Dynamo?
— There are no offers for it. There will be proposals - we will talk, we will consider. And this applies to any footballer.
— And what about Tsygankov, whose contract is ending?
- He will rest, and we will meet with him. I am sure that Vitya is a patriot of our club, a patriot of his country. And therefore, I am just as sure that he cannot leave Dynamo just like that.
- Do you plan to increase the staffing of the team during the winter transfer window?
- We will look for the attacker. But, again, there is a problem, you know about it: not everyone wants to go to Ukraine today. And we don't want to buy players just for the quantity. We already have, it seems, a long bench for substitutes, and there is no one to come out and strengthen the game. Vanat got the opportunity to prove himself, and, believe me, after the winter he will be even stronger! And if we buy an attacker, then he must be stronger than Vanat.
— What about Supryaga?
- I hope that when he recovers from the injury, he will finally sparkle with some bright colors.
- But will he go to the training camp with the first team?
- One hundred percent! We will have four gatherings. By the duration of the preparation period. All these fees will most likely be held in Turkey. Between them, the players will receive 2-3 days to rest.
— Do you believe that Dynamo will fight for the championship this season?
- I just don't doubt it! We will fight until the last round. We have already won back a certain number of lost points. But I will tell you frankly: I do not understand how the principle of equality of conditions for all participants of the competition is observed in this championship. Someone played all the matches, like us. But someone played one match less, someone - two. But we could also play postponed fights in the spring. And we were also participants in European cups. The rules of the game must be equal for everyone.
- Last question. Who will become the world champion?
— France.
Text transcript — Dynamo.kiev.ua, when using material hyperlink obligatory!
