Ukrainian coach Yuriy Gura, who at the height of spring became at the helm of the most titled Moldovan club Tiraspol "Sheriff", spoke about the three-month period of work there. The 48-year-old specialist shared his impressions about it immediately after his return from Tiraspol to Ukraine.
- "Sheriff" I officially took charge two rounds before the finish of the season-2023/24, - says Yuri Gura, - Although I started to prepare the team a round earlier, before the home match of the championship with "Milsami" on May 4. In this game I was not yet on the coaching bench, I watched the game from the stand. Then there was the off-season, in which our team had a series of control matches, which were aimed at preparing for the start of the Europa League. In the first two-round match with Azerbaijani "Zira" we managed to pass on thanks to a successful penalty shootout, but the next opponent, Swedish "Elfsborg", was much stronger, blocking our way in the tournament.
- When did you find out about your retirement?
- The next day after a home victory in the opening round of the championship over "Dacia" from Buiucani - 2:0. I was invited to a meeting with the management and informed about this decision. We parted with Sheriff in a gentlemanly manner, shaking hands and wishing good luck.
- Was the resignation a surprise for you?
- Actually, yes. Although everything seemed to be going towards it. But be that as it may, the period I spent in Sheriff became a very serious experience. To play in the Europa League is worth a lot. There were a lot of impressions from participation in the European Cup tournament. And not only in soccer terms, but in general. For example, I saw a significantly renewed Baku, which resembles a real metropolis. The trip to Sweden, where we met with Elfsborg, was also memorable. I was very impressed by the infrastructure, organization of soccer facilities and the game of this club. So there is something to remember.
- For three months you must have formed an impression about the level of Moldovan soccer. What is it like?
- I can say that the Ukrainian championship is much stronger.
- Have you met any of the familiar people in Moldova?
- Yes, Denis Dedechko. He used to play in Alexandria, and now he defends the colors of Zimbru. It was nice to see him when Sheriff met with Chisinau at the end of the last championship and in a control match. Although Denis has a respectable age by soccer standards (he is 37 years old - editor's note), but he is one of the leading players in the Moldovan championship.
- What do you think about Moldova in general and Tiraspol in particular?
- I did not see much difference between Ukraine and Moldova, because there are a lot of Ukrainians there now. This was quite an interesting and at the same time pleasant fact for me. In Chisinau itself, the population speaks more Moldovan or Romanian, but in Tiraspol, in the surrounding Transnistrian towns and villages, one often hears Ukrainian. It seems to me that Ukrainians are the majority there. However, it is not surprising, because this region borders closely on the border with Ukraine. There has been a mixture of blood there for a long time, so it is not surprising that in Tiraspol I often hear Surzhik. Like in our Odessa region or in my Kirovohrad region.
- What struck you during your stay in Transnistria?
- Many things. I visited the legendary Bender fortress, where the last years of his life were spent by Hetman Ivan Mazepa, who was there together with the fugitive Swedish King Charles XII after his defeat in the Battle of Poltava. In the same fortress, after Mazepa's death, the first Constitution of Ukraine was signed by the new Hetman of the Zaporizhian army Philip Orlik. You can imagine the historical value of this document. Impressions after visiting the Bender fortress, which had an interesting excursion, remained unforgettable. I also visited the Kitskan monastery, where many relics are collected - in particular, a silver gilded cross with a part of the Holy Cross. I was also pleasantly surprised by the traditions of Moldovan and Transnistrian food producers.
When I tasted the drinks made according to the State Standard, known since ancient times - "Krem-Soda", "Lemonade", "Tarhun", "Buratino", I was truly delighted. They reminded me of the taste of my childhood. I also tasted Moldovan dry wine, homemade - I liked it very much. And also the famous Tiraspol brandies of the factory "Kvint". Don't think that I traveled to Tiraspol to drink all three months(laughs).
Yuri Ostroumov