Honorary President of Left Bank Mykola Pavlov shared his impressions of the team's entry into the UPL.
Nikolai Pavlov- Mykola Petrovych, yesterday Left Bank got a ticket to the UPL, what does it mean to you?
- This is a very unusual situation. In just 7 years, in our difficult times: coronavirus, war. And to create such conditions, such infrastructure almost from scratch. Only one person could have done this - Mykola Lavrenko (president of Left Bank - ed.). Before that, he had worked for 20 years in Oleksandriya, and their infrastructure is considered one of the best in Ukraine. From now on, Left Bank can compete with them in this aspect. Our infrastructure is one of the best in Ukraine, both for adult athletes and children. That is why we are very happy and proud to have such a president.
- How did Left Bank react to the idea of holding a "tournament of four"?
- If there is such an opportunity, why not take advantage of it? I am glad that the UAF made a decision that suited all four parties. The sporting principle was taken into account, although I believe that Left Bank should have been in the UPL. So we got there again, now through the tournament. The only thing that none of the coaches emphasized was that this tournament could potentially disrupt the training process, the players would be tired and it would be necessary to reschedule games. I think that at least the first match with LNZ should have been postponed. The decision to participate in the tournament was made together, so we all have to be responsible for it.
- The first match against Metalist 1925, how did you manage to defeat the undisputed favorite of the tournament?
- It was not without luck. There was also a very serious preparation and training process. So I want to thank the team's coaching staff once again, headed by head coach Vitaliy Pervak, who has been working for only two years. As for the match, in the second half, the opponent was not visible at all, our high-quality physical training and, most importantly, our desire, which was greater than that of Metalist 1925, helped. Special thanks to our fans who came to support the team. So all this together played a big role in the overall success.
- What did you think when Kravets equalized in the last minute?
- We realized that Metalist 1925 was the favorite, but we were still worried and believed in victory. You can't run away from fate, and if L'viv Bereg was supposed to be in the UPL, then it was.
- Did you watch the match between Minaj and Epicenter? What can you say about it?
- I would like to say a few nice words about Epicenter, they were supposed to be in the final, I liked them much more than Minaj, and if not for children's mistakes, Epicenter would have been our opponent in the final. They were stronger in the game.
- A few words about the final game. Was it a confident victory or were there any nuances?
- At first, we were a little worried, because Minaj had already played on this field, and we played for the first time. From the 20th minute on, everything was under the control of Left Bank. The goals were not spontaneous, but hard-earned, well played and executed. Therefore, a well-deserved victory.
- The start of the UPL is coming soon. What do you plan to change, perhaps new players for the updated tasks?
- Our selection work did not stop, it was completely led by the head coach. Without his opinion, the club does not make any decision on inviting players. They communicate with the president and make decisions on transfers. We don't plan any drastic changes, we will prepare for the first game with LNZ, away, with a difficult opponent.
- That is, you plan to give the guys a chance to prove themselves at the UPL level?
- They deserve it. We have more questions about the U-19 and the women's team. Therefore, in these two or three days, our president will have a lot of work to do, because L'viv Bereg will continue to develop.
- What is the future of Left Bank, is it a project for many years to come?
- As long as our president is alive and well, together with his family and partners, we will only move forward, I have no doubt about it.
Oleh Didukh
