We have talked a lot about the players of FC Dynamo (Kyiv) from different generations, their playing qualities, records, and victories.
It will also be interesting to know what they said about their team.
Vladimir Bessonov. People often ask which Dynamo team was stronger – the one from 1975 or 1986?
In terms of individual skill, the 1975 team probably had the advantage. Every player there was a star. My team had another trump card – we stood together like a wall. If you were late or couldn't keep up, each of your partners was ready to dive in for a tackle, to rush forward, not thinking about possible injuries.
I believe it is correct to say: in 1975, there was a team of stars in Kyiv, in 1986 – there was a star team.
… “Dynamo-75” owned the Cup Winners' Cup and UEFA Super Cup, “Dynamo-86” gifted its fans the Cup Winners' Cup for the second time. These triumphs were led by the legendary coach Valery Lobanovsky.
Anatoly Demyanenko. In terms of player selection, spirit, and life philosophy, the “Dynamo-86” team was a united family. Such a collective has never been seen in the club's history. This was noted by players who played in “Dynamo-75”.
No one can be like Lobanovsky. He taught us to keep track of how football is developing, to analyze games, the processes that occur in football.
He constantly repeated: “Young people, learn, always learn.”
Alexander Zavarov. I became a true master at Dynamo. Lobanovsky put in significant effort to put my “unorganized” game to the service of the team. The coach created the conditions for me to fit organically into the star Dynamo lineup. You know, I haven’t known or seen teams stronger than our Dynamo.
Viktor Chanov. I remember the words of Valery Vasilievich, which he loved to repeat: “Life is a school where nothing is ever perfect.” Our mentor did a lot to ensure that his wards had more good in life.
I am happy that for nine years I defended the goal for Dynamo – the club that became home for me, where together with my partners I achieved many successes.
Sergey Baltacha. The results we achieved together with the guys, playing for 11 years in the Dynamo team, are a huge merit of Valery Lobanovsky, who did a titanic job with us. Therefore, those who followed him could not play any differently.
Gennady Litovchenko. The playing discipline in our team was based on the high functional readiness of the players and the technical skill of each player. This is what “Dynamo” under the guidance of Valery Vasilievich was like. This is the team where I became a honored master of sports, the best football player of 1984, a player of the strongest team in the country.
Alexander Khapsalis. Lobanovsky taught us the modern pace of football. He taught us to think and work with the ball faster, to make decisions under pressure. Thanks to these qualities, we achieved many brilliant victories.
Oleg Salenko. Valery Vasilievich dedicated his great talent and health to the last drop to the cause of his life – the Dynamo club. Lobanovsky was a personality of incredible scale. His authority among the players was such that sometimes just one look from him was enough. Our coach was also a great psychologist: he understood very well when to load the players and when to let them relax. He had no selective approach to the players – everyone grew together with the team, all in the same line.
Alexander LIPENKO for Dynamo.kiev.ua
