Ferencváros graduate Serhiy Kuznetsov shared with "UF" his expectations for the upcoming Europa League match between Kyiv's "Dynamo" and the Hungarian team.
Serhiy Kuznetsov (photo: dvtk.eu)— Serhiy, you were present at the last match of "Ferencváros," which at home shared points with the underdog "Debrecen" (2:2). What are your impressions of the game against "Dynamo’s" nearest opponent in the Europa League?
— The club’s management and fans had high expectations when they invited Dutch specialist Pascal Jansen as head coach at the beginning of the season. Watching their next game live and reading expert reviews, we see that more and more criticism is directed at this coach.
There are expectations for "Ferencváros" to play attacking, dominating football, but so far the team cannot boast of this. They struggle to achieve victories, winning only by one or, at most, two goals. And the style of play of "Ferencváros" leaves much to be desired. There are no clearly worked-out attacking actions. The last match against "Debrecen" confirms all of the above. The opponent is in the relegation zone, practically losing everything, but by building a competent defense, "Debrecen" managed to earn a well-deserved point in Budapest.
— Which "Ferencváros" was stronger: under Rebrov, Stankovich, or Cherchesov?
— If we take a general look and analyze the results, opinions of experts, and fans, then Serhiy Rebrov’s team was the strongest, and here’s why. Not having the same resources as the subsequent coaches, Rebrov squeezed the maximum out of the team: "Ferencváros" became the national champion three times in a row and qualified for the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in many years.
Under Cherchesov there were sometimes good games, but they alternated with failures, lacking stability. Stankovich somewhat stabilized the team's actions, making them more efficient and spectacular, but the Serbian specialist left "Ferencváros". People have gotten used to the good, but now, I repeat, there is more criticism than positivity.
— In recent years, there has been no competition for "Ferencváros" in Hungary. Is that because other teams are significantly weaker?
— Many factors influence this, but the main reason is that the budget of "Ferencváros" is several times larger than that of all the others. They can afford to purchase players who others can only dream of.
— What is the strength of the current "Ferencváros"?
— The team relies more on the actions of its leaders, who were acquired earlier. To a large extent, certain flashes in the game arise due to their individual qualities. But now these players are not at their best level. I won’t be afraid to say that at the moment "Ferencváros" is struggling more than playing.
— Who is the leader of the current team?
— The team is led throughout the game by Israeli Mohamad Abu-Fani. When needed, he accelerates attacks or, conversely, can hold the ball. Periodically, attacking players Mateus Saldanha and Varga Barnabás look decent. For example, last season, Marquinhos looked very strong, but he left the team, and so far, we haven’t been able to fully replace this Brazilian.
— One victory in the last four championship matches. Does this perhaps indicate some decline in "Ferencváros"?
— I have already said that the team does not impress at all. The only match in which "Ferencváros" was truly balanced, motivated, and showed good movement was the Europa League game against "Nice" (1:0). The Hungarians played fairly well for one half against "Tottenham," but it should be noted that the English side was represented by a mixed squad in that match.
For me, the conclusion is this: the coach and the team are searching for their best game and interaction on the football field.
— To conclude the Hungarian topic — about you. How are you doing, Serhiy? Are you on a creative break?
— I wouldn’t say so (laughs). I am actively looking for further employment.
— But you performed rather well at "Diósgyőr".
— Indeed. I took over the team in August 2022 when they were in 12th place in the first league. That same season we moved up to the elite division with a maximum number of points, something that had never happened in the entire history of the Hungarian first league.
Then, in my opinion, our coaching staff worked well in the higher division: we finished the autumn part of the championship six points behind the leading trio. I was assisted by Dmytro Parkhomenko and Anatoliy Korotya.
Now we are looking for and waiting for offers from teams that set serious goals.
— After "Diósgyőr," you had a short period of work at "Dier." What went wrong there?
— In two months we did a tremendous amount of work. The team had a poor start in the spring part of the championship under the Spanish coach. But we managed to establish a good atmosphere in the team, improve the physical condition of the players, and set up the game. However, "Dier" had difficult leaders with whom we did not find common ground regarding the development of the team. Therefore, we decided that it would be better not to struggle and part ways.
— Now you probably have much more time to watch and analyze matches of other European teams?
— I always try to keep up with the latest events; I strive not to stop and continue improving. Right now, for example, I am studying online at the "Barcelona" university in coaching courses. At the same time, I am also learning from Dutch specialist Raymond Verheijen, who teaches football periodization. I participate in many football seminars and conferences where elite coaches from England, Spain, and Portugal conduct master classes. And, of course, I have more time to attend various matches.
— Are you keeping an eye on "Dynamo"?
— Mostly through results and reports in the press. I saw a highlight reel of the match against "Shakhtar." I don’t have Ukrainian channels, so I can’t closely follow the Ukrainian Premier League.
— As has become customary, "Dynamo" will play its home European cup match on neutral ground. Does this favor "Ferencváros"?
— Given how many Ukrainians are abroad, I think the Dynamo players will feel the support of the stands in Hamburg. "Ferencváros" plays less successfully away from home, so "Dynamo" will have good chances to win.
— What do you think allows Oleksandr Shovkovskiy’s team to defeat the Hungarians?
— In the attacking line, "Dynamo" has gathered respectable performers. This needs to be proven, and they need to try to move the ball faster, to open up zones more quickly because "Ferencváros"’s defense line is not well-coordinated. The coach constantly tries different combinations, so there is no solid structure.
— But "Dynamo" is also facing challenges in the center of defense. Are the young players lacking stability?
— Experience is an important factor. But it is crucial to stay focused throughout the match and communicate with teammates, providing guidance. At the same time, one should consider that the wing players of "Ferencváros" are not particularly fast, except for Traore.
— Will this match for "Dynamo" be under the motto "all or nothing," given their tournament situation?
— Of course. Zero points in the standings is not the result that the Kyiv team expected after three rounds. However, at the same time, "Ferencváros" also needs to take maximum points if they want to make it to the spring stage of European competitions.
— What is your prediction for the "Dynamo" — "Ferencváros" match?
— I think that in Hamburg, two teams of approximately the same level will face each other. I believe that in this meeting, the details will decide everything. I predict a 1:1 draw in this confrontation.
Serhiy Demyanchuk
