Now former Dnipro-1 striker Oleksandr Filippov commented on his move to Oleksandriya, which was officially announced the day before yesterday.
Alexander Filippov. Photo — scdnipro1.com.ua- Congratulations on your move to a new club! First question: why did you choose Alexandria?
- Because I have seen their matches and I understand how this team operates. I knew that there is a good team and progressive coaching staff, which puts a very interesting game and I was pleased to become a part of this team.
- Do not perceive this move as a certain, perhaps, relegation? Since "Alexandria" finished eighth in the last UPL campaign.
- I think that it will be wrong to interpret this issue in the context of the teams' positions. Today this situation, tomorrow - another one. Therefore, this is by no means a step back, but exactly the opposite - a way forward.
This is an interesting young team. At the same time, with experienced players in the lineup - a certain mix. In addition, we have a good coaching staff that understands everything: where they want to progress in team and individual plans. The coaching staff tries to give us the most useful information. And the club itself also always sets high goals. Therefore, this is a step forward.
- Apart from "Alexandria", were there other options to continue your career?
- Yes, there were. But there is no point in telling about it. There were options in Ukraine. And not that any specific ones, but still there was interest from several foreign clubs. But I chose "Alexandria", and I do not regret it.
- In particular, there was information that Karpaty were interested in your candidacy. How much does it correspond to reality?
- I do not know. I can`t say anything about Karpaty, because no one from the Lviv club management approached me.
- If we return to your former club, does Dnipro-1 still have debts to you?
- Of course. What the situation was, it is. Therefore, all the players and all the members of the coaching staff, to whom there is a debt, hope that all the earned money will start coming. I emphasize that the money we earned will be returned to us. I do not believe, of course, that they will return the entire amount, but at least part of it.
- Can you tell me for what period you have arrears?
- 5 months.
- Do you have any claims or negativity towards Dnipro club?
- No, not in any case. Apart from this aspect, there are no other issues. Only pleasant impressions from the team, the city, the stadium and from the club staff. I will remember this year with warmth and I can thank SC Dnipro-1 for this period.
I did not think that it would come to the disintegration of the club. Well, almost to the disintegration. And that we would have 5 months of arrears. I realized that there would be certain delays of 2-3 months, but I thought that the club would somehow pay. But here we have 5...
- So, summarizing, the main and only reason for leaving the team is only the financial issue?
- Yes, of course.
Vladislav Lichik
