Former head coach of «Polissya» Imad Ashur spoke on the Pryvoz YouTube channel about meeting with Dynamo head coach Oleksandr Shovkovsky.
Imad Ashur— You once highlighted Shovkovsky. What impressed you about him then?
— Yes, I remember it very well. He really made an impression as someone who works diligently, wants to develop, and learns not just for the sake of it. When we were going through the licensing, he was supposed to be in a group with former professional players — a separate stream, but due to certain scheduling issues, he was with us for one session.
I liked that he was active — not just sitting and listening, but discussing, asking questions, and expressing opinions. Outside of lectures, he communicated quite normally and openly. We could just stand and talk about a topic that caught our interest after the classes. For me, it was telling because there were other experienced people around who were just 'going through the motions.' But Shovkovsky was really working and earned respect.
— Do you remember what year it was?
— I can’t say for sure, around 2015 or 2016. But the impression was very positive. Of course, he might not even remember that we studied together then, but for me, it was an example to emulate.
— And a few years have passed — and he became the head coach of 'Dynamo.'
— Yes, interesting, right? You highlight him then as someone with potential — and you see how it works in practice.
— How do you assess the reaction of the fans now?
— Honestly, sometimes it’s hard to watch what’s happening. If 'Dynamo' fails to win something — a wave of criticism, insults, even offensive comments towards the club legend begins. People just drag him through the mud.
And this is despite the fact that the team, if I’m not mistaken, has over 30 matches without defeat in the championship. But who evaluates the level of success? People only see the result and don’t know what’s happening inside the club.
— Do you think Shovkovsky is having a hard time now?
— Definitely. The pressure is enormous. But what people allow themselves to say is, of course, unfortunate. Because they don’t see the internal kitchen, they don’t understand the processes. They can create an image, but what’s going on inside — a simple fan doesn’t know. And unfortunately, they often judge only on the surface.
