The new head coach of "Neftchi" Yuri Vernidub gave an interview to the club's official website. The Ukrainian specialist spoke about his arrival at "Neftchi" and his goals.
- How did your arrival at "Neftchi" happen?
- Actually, I had offers from both inside and outside the country. But as soon as I received an offer from "Neftchi", I put the others aside. Because "Neftchi" is a club with a great history. I have known the team since the USSR championship. I myself played against "Neftchi" as a football player. "Neftchi" is also very popular in Ukraine. After talking with the management, I saw what goals the club has. I really liked the project. Systematic work is being carried out here and the club has big plans. Although the results are not very encouraging at the moment, they are temporary. We will improve the results together.
- You have already met the players and trained the team a few times. What are your first impressions?
- The squad consists of very high-quality football players. The club has implemented a good and goal-oriented transfer policy. Strong players have gathered in every position. My expectations from them are high. We will try to instill our game philosophy in the team in a short time, and raise them to a new level both tactically, physically and psychologically. Time is running out, we are already in the middle of the championship. If we approach the work correctly, we will achieve our goal. There are no transfers planned in the near future. Of course, there are long-term plans to strengthen the team, but now our main priority is to raise the level of play of the players we have. I trust them.
- What goals have been set for you?
- First of all, we must definitely improve the results. We have a lot of work to do, but we are not afraid. I have already conducted several trainings, and I feel desire and determination in the players. I have only seen support from the management from the first day. I believe that we will overcome this difficulty together. In our first conversation, I asked the management to be with me and the players every minute. We understood each other very well. As for the goals, only the championship suits "Neftchi". True, our place in the tournament table is not good now, but we must be at the top at the end of the season. We will fight, we will fight to the end. At least for this we will fight to the end, we will do whatever we can. We will try to start winning from the match with "Sumgayit".
- What is your message to the "Neftchi" fans?
- Just as this team is great, so it has great fans. There is an army of fans, from small to large, whose hearts beat with "Neftchi". I know this. I am aware of everything. I am aware that they support "Neftchi" in every game, regardless of the result. We will try and do our best to live up to their expectations and send them home with joy after every game. I also ask the fans not to spare their support for the players.