Dynamo midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko answered questions from the club's media during a routine medical examination:
Andriy Yarmolenko. Photo: fcdynamo.com- Andrii, you have already undergone many medical examinations here. What emotions or memories did you come back here with?
- In principle, the medical centre is very familiar, but the name is different now. In general, there is nothing new during the medical examination, everything is the same as before. Every professional player understands that the examination is necessary to make sure that you are healthy and can withstand the workload before the training camp.
- Do you know any doctors here? How do you generally assess the qualifications of local specialists?
- Of course, over such a long period of time, I have already met the doctors, and it's nice to see them again, say hello and ask how they are doing. As for their qualification level, everything is great, as always. In times of war, we especially appreciate the selfless work of doctors. Without our military, doctors and rescuers, our victory is impossible. Therefore, we would like to thank everyone who works for the victory for their work, and all the athletes appreciate it very much. In general, we all have to stick together and support each other in this difficult time.
- What is your current fitness level? When can we expect you to return to the field?
- For now, I need to think about returning to training in the general group, because I have only recently started running. The recovery process is going well. Every day you need to increase the load. I hope the knee will not react painfully and I will be able to progress. With such injuries, it is difficult to name a specific date for my return to the field. But, hopefully, if everything continues to go according to plan, I will be ready for the second part of the training camp.
- Are you allowed to do any work with the ball yet?
- Not yet, I can't work with the ball. I can only run and then in a straight line. If the knee does not respond to this work, then you can add jogging with a change of direction. And only then start working with the ball.
- After you got injured, Dynamo's results deteriorated - the team couldn't win for some time. What emotions did you feel watching the team play when you were unable to come on the pitch and help the team?
- Of course, not the best. But this is football, and it happens. The most important thing for us is to draw conclusions and move on. Every player who puts on the Dynamo Kyiv shirt must remember that this is the best team in our country and go into games with the only attitude of winning.
I see a huge potential in our players, there are many young guys in the team. Of course, it will take some time, because it is normal to lack stability at a young age. All the players went through this. I think you remember when I was 19-20 years old, I was the same way. You need to endure, lose some matches to gain experience. We will do everything to make Dynamo the champion this year.
- Recently, the team has been back on the winning track, how do you assess Dynamo's prospects this season?
- Of course, I believe that Oleksandr Shovkovskyi will lead the team to the championship, and at the same time I will do everything in my power to make it happen. The most important thing is to be together, to be one team, one family, to do what the head coach and coaching staff ask. The last games of last year showed that the team can win and get results. Everything is in our hands and feet. We need to prepare well at the training camp and approach the second part of the championship in the best possible condition.
