The head coach of “Kudrivka” Vasyl Baranov, whose team qualified for the UPL based on the results of the last season, shared his thoughts on the upcoming Ukrainian championship in the elite division.
Vasyl Baranov— Vasyl Anatoliyovych, what emotions are you experiencing less than a month before “Kudrivka”’s debut in the UPL?
— Of course, we understand that this will be very new and even unclear for us. However, the training has started, and we are working just as we did when we played in the First League. We will probably understand where we are when the friendly matches with Premier League teams start and we conduct our first round. Right now, there’s no nervousness or excitement. We are preparing for the season in the usual routine.
— Based on the results of the last season, four First League teams moved up to the UPL, and accordingly, four representatives of the elite were relegated. What do you think about this rather unexpected outcome in the transition between divisions?
— Perhaps every team that was relegated had some problems during the season and in the last matches. Those are their issues. The fact that four First League clubs made it to the Premier League shows that the sporting principle works and that no external factors affect this.
— Is this the strength of the First League or the weakness of the UPL?
— It’s hard to say. Two teams were directly relegated due to not performing very well in the Premier League, while the clubs that finished first and second in the First League deserved to rise directly. “Metalist 1925” and “Kudrivka” were stronger than their opponents in two specific playoff matches. I think it wouldn’t be very correct to compare the leagues. It happened as it did. We will see how we perform in the Premier League and how the teams that were relegated will feel in the First League.
I believe that there isn’t a big difference in the level of play between teams in the Premier League below the 10th-12th places and clubs that finished high in the First League. Of course, there is a difference in the players, but it’s a team game. For instance, in “Vorskla”, with whom we met in the playoffs, there were quality players, but in terms of team play, I believe we deserved more to compete in the elite.
— What do you think about the new UPL season regarding how it is forming now?
— Almost every team has changed head coaches (nine out of 16 UPL teams changed their head coaches in the summer, — ed. note). At the same time, some clubs have brought in specialists who promote a completely different style compared to what their predecessors tried to play. It’s very interesting, especially at the start of the championship, how quickly coaches can convey their vision to the players and instill their style. Some may implement this in a short time, while others may need more time.
When it comes to transfers, it’s currently hard to evaluate them. Vitaliy Ponomaryov moved from “Rukh” to LNZ and is trying to bring over players from his previous team whom he trusts and who can strengthen the squad. As far as I understand, LNZ has spent a lot of money on internal transfers this summer. Previously, they only spent that much on foreigners.
What will happen to “Polissya”? What to expect? Of course, Ruslan Rotan will want players who were with him in “Oleksandriya”. He will look to see who in Polissya can play the football he wants to implement. A new head coach, Arda Turan, has arrived at “Shakhtar”. There haven’t been any major transfers yet. He will work with the guys and observe how they respond to his demands. We’ll see. Some will start more successfully, while others will be less successful.
— Which team in the UPL do you consider the best?
— “Dynamo”, considering the last season. This team became the champion.
If we talk about the upcoming campaign, I think “Dynamo”, “Shakhtar”, and “Polissya” with their financial capabilities will compete for the top spots. I think “Karpaty” may join the fight, looking at how they performed last season. These teams currently stand out in terms of play and player selection.
— Whose work in our championship do you admire the most?
— Considering the resources Ruslan Rotan had at “Oleksandriya,” I would mention him. Our giants and “Polissya” are financially, I presume, more capable, but he built good football in his team. Last season, they played much more rationally and deserved second place.
Also, I think like everyone else, I admire the play of “Karpaty” under Vladislav Lupashko. This was only his first season, but the team looked good over time and improved from match to match.
If we talk about not only breakthroughs, Alexander Shovkovskiy can be highlighted. He worked well with “Dynamo”, and the team won the championship without losing a match.
— Who, in your opinion, is currently the best player in the UPL?
— I admire many players. Each team has its leaders. Right now, it’s hard for me to single out who clearly performed throughout the season. Maybe I would name Vladislav Vanat. After all, he scored 17 goals and became the top scorer of the championship.
Many experienced ups and downs. Georgiy Sudakov, it seems, stands out, but it cannot be said that he played too brightly. I would like him to have scored more (in the last campaign, Sudakov scored 13 goals in the championship, — ed. note).
— What will be “Kudrivka”’s objective for the season?
— Of course, for a team that is entering the Premier League for the first time, it’s hard to say that it will immediately break through and finish in the top ten or five. I think everything should happen gradually. In the first season, we need to remain in the Premier League. Of course, we will try to avoid playoff matches, but only as the season progresses will it become clear how it will unfold.
I think we will set objectives for each game and fight for points and results. At the same time, our goal is not just to settle for a draw. No. We will aim for victory and then see what worked and what didn’t.
— Who do you currently see as your main competitors in this task?
— Right now I may name someone, and later someone will ask me: “Why did you record us as fighting for survival?” Our competitors are all teams. Of course, the newcomers to the Premier League, us, “Poltava”, and “Epitsentr” will be viewed as competitors for survival. With “Metalist 1925,” given their finances and transfers, they might expect to fight for slightly higher places. However, it is football. We will see.
— As it is already known, you will play in the UPL at “Obolon Arena”, do you think there’s a chance that this season the village of “Kudrivka” will at least host the Cup of Ukraine?
— I don’t know. It depends on the Cup regulations and which stadiums can be played at. If it’s possible to play at a certain stage with certain teams, then why not? I think the president would want to bring in at least some cup match there.
Dmytro Venkov
