Famous Ukrainian coach Yuriy Maksymov shared his thoughts on the eve of today's match of the 2nd round of the main stage of the Europa League between German side Hoffenheim and Kyiv's Dynamo.
- Yuriy Vilievich, did you watch the Hoffenheim vs. Werder match (3:4)?
- Of course! We were leading, but lost 3-4. Nevertheless, I think Hoffenheim is a good team. They are supported by a powerful sponsor SAP. Their owner grew up in this town, he organized the team and built the stadium.
- When you played for Werder in Germany, did you have similar experiences - from 3-0 to 3-4 or vice versa?
- I don't think it happened (Smiles). We had a very good team back then - Werder played almost all national teams. No wonder we reached the final of the German Cup twice in a row - in 1999 we won, and the following year, unfortunately, we failed to repeat the success
3:0 and then 3:4 - Germany has very dynamic football, everyone plays to the last minute. Just remember Bayer Leverkusen last season. And there are very frequent high-scoring games. That's why the spectators come. The stadiums are full, and tickets are sold out even before the start of the championship - people buy season tickets.
By the way, three months ago I did not go to the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Werder club; I was invited to the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the German Cup win, which will take place on October 4-5 (Yuriy Maksymov scored against Bayern Munich in the winning final of the 1999 Cup - ed.) Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend because I cannot travel abroad. I have been written to several times. I'm very grateful for the invitation, it's nice to be remembered, but unfortunately, circumstances do not allow it.
- When you were called to Germany, did memories come flooding back to you?
- Memories? I lived in Germany for almost 6 years in Bremen and Mannheim. This is a considerable period of life. I always watch the German championship. Not only it, of course - I can't do it any other way: matches, news. Even the Azerbaijani championship is interesting to watch. It's nice to see the players I coached and won the Azerbaijani Cup with.
- In the 25 years since your performances in Germany, the inherent features of football there have not changed: intensity, unpredictability, playing to the last seconds...
- Yes, they don't waste the ball for 10 minutes. They play to the end. And this dedication is seen by the fans, who can thank their team even in defeat.
- Is this intensity making the championship difficult?
- Yes, it is. Physical readiness comes first.
- Can we say that Hoffenheim's main trump card in the match against Dynamo may be the fact that this team is used to intensity and will act in this mode?
- It is possible that it is. Moreover, as we have already said, they lost their last match and, of course, will try to rehabilitate themselves in front of the fans. A full stadium will also be a factor in favor of the hosts.
- By the way, do German teams take a long time to get over defeats like the one that happened over the weekend? Or is it more common for us to get over it?
- There is no such thing there. Very quickly, everyone switches to the next game and starts preparing for it.
- What can Dynamo oppose? What is your overall impression of the team this season?
- Frankly speaking, I'm not very inclined to evaluate Dynamo Kyiv. I think this is incorrect, because there is a coach there who has his own vision and is responsible for the team. For my part, I can only wish the Kyiv team success. Especially since their successful performance also affects Ukraine's rating, which affects the draw in European competitions. I remember in the 1990s it was difficult to qualify for the group round of the Champions League because we met higher-ranked opponents... And now more teams are participating.
- By the way, how do you like the new format of European Cups?
- I like it. It's interesting that all the opponents are different, you don't meet anyone twice. You play with everyone as if from scratch. Of course, you prepare, study the opponent, but in such circumstances there is more room for surprises. Plus, for the clubs that have the opportunity to participate in the group stage, it is an opportunity to earn a lot of money. Each additional game means additional profit for the club. That's why everyone fights in cup tournaments.
When I was still playing in Germany, the players were given good bonuses in such games, because going as far as possible and playing more matches is very profitable for the club: they get income from the sale of TV rights, tickets, merchandise, and advertising. And if you have a steady number of matches in the league, you can get additional home matches through cup tournaments, which means you can make a profit.
- Several of your former players play for Dynamo - Pikhalenok, Rubchynskyi... Are you happy about their success?
- Of course, it's very nice that the players who played leading roles in Dnipro-1 are now playing at a good level and are leaders of their new teams.
- When will we see you in action again?
- I can't speculate. Now we all live one day at a time. The most important thing is that, God willing, the war ends soon. And to work, of course, as long as we have the desire and strength.
Vadym Takhterin