— Artem, congratulations on signing the contract. What are your first impressions of the new club?
— Only positive. A good club with great conditions and big ambitions, which was very important for me. Now everything is in my hands and feet. I need to prove my capability. I am satisfied to be here.
— In the winter, there were talks about the possibility of your transfer to Cyprus, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Where is the truth?
— Yes, there were other options for continuing my career, but for me and my family, the option with the team from Brno became the most optimal.
— The team is currently in ninth place in the second strongest league in the Czech Republic. Explain your choice.
— The team is tasked with getting promoted to the elite division. By the way, this also became one of the reasons why I ended up in "Lisheni".
The president of the club is a significant figure in the Czech Republic. Igor Fait has very ambitious plans for the team, which is currently being strengthened by players from the top league in the Czech Republic. The president wants the team to progress. Right now, the team is gathering quality players. I hope my work will help "Lisheni" achieve the set goal.
— Only the winner of the First League enters the so-called Chance League — the top division — while you are 20 points away...
— That's correct. However, the second and third places will play transitional matches with representatives of the elite. That’s what we want to reach one of those positions. For example, "Lisheni" needs to gain just seven points to get into the playoffs, and there are still 14 rounds ahead. So nothing is lost yet.
— Is the team currently preparing in Brno?
— Yes. We are conducting the first stage at home. Later, we will head to Turkey. There are many friendly matches planned and participation in an international tournament.
— What are the conditions at the club's base?
— Everything is fine. There is a stadium, a training field, a gym, and recovery rooms. Everything is available for quality work.
— "Lisheni" has a rather authoritative coach, former head coach of the Czech national team Pavel Vrba. Have you had a chance to talk to him yet?
— I met him earlier in a phone conversation. (Smiles). At the base, I have already met the entire coaching staff and the team. Everyone welcomed me warmly. It’s evident that there is a good atmosphere in the team.
— Will you manage to get into optimal shape before the season resumes?
— I really hope so. As I already mentioned, a lot of sparring matches await us in Turkey, and the start of the spring part of the championship is scheduled for the beginning of March. For now, I'm working on an individual program since I have just started training with the team. I watched the friendly match of the team from the stands. The game left a pleasant impression.
— Do you have a language barrier problem?
— If there is one, it’s very minimal. Many guys in the team communicate in English. And Czech is somewhat similar to Ukrainian, so basically, everything is understandable.
— Is your family already with you?
— No, they are still in Spain, packing their bags. (Smiles). Right now, the club is looking for accommodation for me. As soon as we figure out where to live, my family will come to Brno.
— Did you like the city?
— Yes, very much. Brno even somewhat reminds me of Kyiv in a way. I feel cozy here.
— You have a contract until the end of the season. What’s next?
— It's too early to talk about anything. I have a six-month deal with a possible extension for another two seasons. For now, it is essential to adapt as quickly as possible and help the team achieve victories, and then we will see.
In the Czech First League, the level of teams is very strong, so perhaps we will continue the cooperation; the main thing is that the coaching staff and club management are satisfied with my performance. I am not afraid of difficulties; we will work hard.
— Do you set any personal goals for yourself?
— What kind of goals can a forward set? I would like to score as often as possible, and for my goals to bring joy to the "Lisheni" fans and help the team move forward.
Serhii Demyanchuk
Artem Biesiedin. Photo — V. Rasner
