In an interview with Dynamo.kiev.ua, Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Oleksandr Karavaev talked about the nuances of starting preparations for the second part of the current season.
Oleksandr Karavaev. Photo — Yuri Yuryev- How did you spend your vacation? How much did you manage to relax in these, to put it mildly, difficult circumstances for all of us?
— He spent the entire vacation with his family, with his wife and children. This precious time, when there are no trainings and matches, I want to devote as much as possible to my wife and children.
I will always say a huge thank you, and I will say the same now, to our military for the fact that they protect our homeland and allow us to live, fight and help each other in such a difficult time for all of us.
— This week, you, like other Dynamo players, underwent a medical examination. Is everything okay?
— Medical examination, as always, good, everything is in order. The main thing is health. At the same time, we are professionals, so we must, among other things, treat our health professionally. Therefore, everything should be fine at the medical examination. So that we can work at 100%.
— Now you have started the so-called "engaging training". How do they differ from traditional classes?
— In the first days of the meeting, there is a lot of physical exertion. Gym, running. After that, work with the ball. We need to prepare well physically, so that later everything will be easier to do on the football field.
- Meetings are always a difficult period for football players. And this time the preparation will last even longer than usual, one and a half months. What is the most difficult thing for you during meetings?
— I'm already used to the fact that there are constant fees in my career. We need them, we all understand that, so before the start of each meeting, I always put myself in a positive mood. No matter how difficult it is. Of course, it is always difficult when you work under loads, when your body is tired. But this only happens for a certain period of time - it has to be endured.
— How did you react to Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's return to Dynamo as a coach?
- Oleksandr Volodymyrovych is a legend of "Dynamo". So this is a positive moment for the club and the players. Especially for me, because I already worked in the national team of Ukraine, when Shovkovsky was one of the coaches there
— Is Shovkovsky already participating in training in terms of some instructions, or is he still getting to know the team and the training process itself?
— He knows all the players of our team, so he started taking a direct part in the process right from the first training sessions.
— How does the team react to all publications about Tsygankov's possible transfer to another club?
— We discuss among ourselves. But everyone is waiting for official information on what decision the club and the player will make.
— You are currently one of the most versatile football players in the Dynamo squad. You can, including, play in Tsygankov's position. Do you think that if he moves to another club, you will have more chances to play in the first team?
- I don't think about it. I know what the coach demands of me and what he expects from me in different positions and at any time of the match. As for Tsygankov, I will say one thing: I feel very comfortable playing with Viktor when I act on the same flank as him, as a right defender.
— Finally, please say something "encouraging" to Dynamo fans in the context of wishes for 2023.
- Faith and support is what we need. We feel and know how much you love and support the club and the team. First of all, we will do everything in order to get only victories and to demonstrate a quality game that everyone would like.
Oleksandr POPOV
