“The dynamo has changed with the arrival of Lucescu. I respect that”

Head coach of the Hungarian “Ferencvaros” Sergey Rebrov He shared his expectations of the match on Matchday 6 of the Champions League group stage against Dynamo Kiev.

– Do you feel at home in this stadium?

– Of course, Kiev is my hometown. I am glad to be back here, to play football at the highest level. So they didn’t let me in here for a press conference (smiles).

– What do you think was the most important match in the Champions League this season?

– In the Champions League, all games are important. Any point scored is worth its weight in gold; they have not played in this tournament for over 20 years. As Alexander Zubkov said, players gain experience, this is very important to them. But the most important match will be tomorrow and I’m sure the players understand that. They are preparing and tuning in for this match. Those fights we played gave the players confidence and experience, but tomorrow is the most important match.

– How important is tomorrow? In fact, you are playing against your local club.

– Of course it’s not easy. But it was not easy the first time, it was a difficult day, we played 2: 2. Now it is easier. I am a professional and I love my job, I love helping footballers. I will definitely do everything, I will help the players, but tomorrow everything depends on them: on their attitude, desire, understanding of what we want to defeat such a strong team.

– How do you find a common language with your players, given that the team is made up of players from 13 countries?

– You can remember how many players from other countries there were in that Dynamo Kiev when I became a coach. I think there were at least 13 players. It is easier to work in Ferencvaroš because everyone here speaks English. At Dynamo there were three or four translators in the meetings, making it more difficult to work.

– How do Hungarian fans know you?

– Like anywhere else. You will not fool the fans. They can’t immediately scream that you are a hero. It must be earned. The same is true in Hungary. When I arrived no one shouted anything, everyone was waiting for the fruits of my work. Now, after several years of work, I see the respect of the fans, it is difficult to even go anywhere because of the emotion. Come and feel how it works.

– When preparing for the game, the fact that you have met with Lucescu before?

– In terms of tactics, it helps me that I have worked here for many years and know the capabilities of the players. I see how the Dynamo has changed with the arrival of Lucescu. I respect that. The team plays a different football, more organized both in attack and defense. I see the work you are doing at Dynamo.

Dynamo and Ferencvaros: I don’t think anyone is afraid of someone after Barcelona and Juventus. Those players who have already tried the Champions League against the Italian and Spanish teams should play better football tomorrow.

– Compare Dynamo, which you trained, and the current one.

– These are completely different teams. Now there are many young footballers. I don’t want to say if they are better or worse. But the young Ukrainian players are definitely more motivated. Those footballers who play under the guidance of a good coach play in a completely different way. I watched the last game with Juventus, although we lost 0: 3, but I really liked the game, as did the growth of the young players. It is unethical to compare: completely different players, levels and times.

The group stage match of the Champions League “Dynamo” – “Ferencvaros” will take place in Kiev at the NSC “Olimpiyskiy” on Tuesday 8 December at 22:00 Kiev time.

Sport.ua will host an online text broadcast of the Dynamo – Ferencvaros match.