On Wednesday, June 25, a press conference was held regarding the summarization of the 2024/25 season for Kyiv’s "Dynamo" and the team’s upcoming plans. One of the participants of the event was the captain of the "white-blues" Vitaliy Buyalsky.
Vitaliy Buyalsky. Photo — A. Popov— What is it like to be the captain of the team and tell yourself: "We are champions!"?
— For me, it is an honor to be the captain of Kyiv’s "Dynamo." But, probably, if I say that I talk a lot in the locker room, it will be a lie. Andriy Yarmolenko talks more, and I support his words and give advice to the young players.
I was pleased that when Andriy returned to "Dynamo" and there was a conversation about the captaincy, he said that he wanted me to remain the captain. It was nice.
Well, when I lifted the championship trophy over my head, it was pride, dozens of times greater than the pride I felt when I became a champion with "Dynamo" as a regular player.
— Do you not consider yourself insufficiently represented in the media plan?
— If I had an Instagram, I would be, of course, much more popular. And the guys from the team constantly tell me about Instagram. But I am not interested in that — what is much more important is respect from my teammates, coaches, and fans. But maybe in three years, I will start an Instagram.
— What will you do after your career ends?
— I do not see myself as someone specific yet. But I have already obtained a coaching license of category "B." I think I will continue to advance in this direction.
On the other hand, from what I have seen over 15 years in professional football, the coach’s role is very complicated. There are wins — everything is fine, but if there are no wins — you are already looking for a job.
If there is an opportunity to try myself as a coach, I will take it step by step; I certainly will not become the head coach right away. That is how it is in football: step by step.
— Who in "Dynamo" delivers the most convenient passes?
— There are pleasant passes, and there are not-so-good ones, but the main thing is ball reception. From the most uncomfortable pass, you can make a "treat," and everyone will talk about how great that pass was. But the main thing is ball reception.
— Okay, then: from whom is it easiest to receive passes?
— From Andriy Mykolaiovych Yarmolenko.
— Which of the young Dynamo players surprised you the most last season?
— I believe all of them have progressed this year. Vanat did a great job, scoring a lot, we are very happy for him. Voloshyn started assisting, scoring in some matches. Brazhko has grown as a player. Yes, at some point he experienced a decline, but that is normal for a young player. You as journalists should react to this normally, rather than saying he is not the same anymore. Brazhko is only 21 years old, he has everything ahead, and he needs support. I think everything will be fine for him.
Neshcheret has also improved after the departure of Zhora Bushchan. I think Maksym Brahera will improve over time. Rubchynskyi shows his level in the matches he participates in and that he has great prospects in "Dynamo."
Mikhailyenko may not be young anymore, but the way he has improved — is remarkable! He deserves a call-up to the Ukrainian national team.
— How do you cope with stress?
— Family. And also, after unsuccessful moments or tough matches, sometimes it is necessary to have a day of solitude, and then everything is fine.
— What are the particularly strong coaching qualities of Shovkovskyi?
— His speeches to the team. He communicates a lot before the game, in the locker room. And there are some exercises that I like. There are also those that I do not like, as it is with everyone, but all exercises are necessary for the team to progress.
— What was the largest bet you placed on sports events?
— I wanted to place a bet once when I was 18-19 years old. I received my first money. I came to the bookmaker without a passport, and they did not believe my age. They said: "If you bring your passport, you will place the bet." Well, I never came back.
Oleksandr POPOV from KVC "Parkovy"
