Yuri Vernydub: "We can't stop, we need to move forward step by step"
The head coach of FC Sheriff Yuri Vernidub about the team's golden match, emotions, records and the future:
- Congratulations on winning the Championship ...
- I just congratulated the boys too. They have already taken the first step - they have become Champions. But there are still 4 games and the Cup final ahead. We cannot stop, we need to move forward step by step. Then we will give time to rest. Now we need to concentrate, especially since we have a tight schedule - 15, 19, 22, 26, 30. I am sure of them - that they understand this. I can see it in their eyes. I think everything will be fine.
- Will you celebrate?
- No. We will celebrate, I think, after the Cup. Then we'll see if there is something to celebrate or not. Good words were said by Mircea Lucescu, the coach of Dinamo Kiev. They became champions three rounds to go. He then said: "The championship is when you get into the history of the club, as a player and coach. Winning the Cup and the Super Cup is already the history of the country." Therefore, I would like the players to understand this and repeat it, and go only forward.
- You have your first title in the Moldovan Championship. How do you assess this, how did it go. After all, you came in the middle of the season, when the main groundwork was made ...
- I will say this. The team was in first place, the backlog was 6 points. This is also a lot. We must pay tribute to the previous coach. I have never forgotten about my colleagues who came before me. He did his job honestly. This is our coaching life - today I am, tomorrow someone else. This should be treated normally, and this is how I feel about it. I left Belarus, leaving the team as the leader and it became the Champion. Therefore, I think this is also the merit of the coach who was here before me - Zoran Zekic. I can also congratulate him through you.
- The team does not lose with you ...
- Our team has changed. In terms of squad, I think the team has changed by 60-65 percent. If we take the boys who were there before winter, today the line-up consisted of Chris, Kolovos, Castaneda and Kapic - 4 people, the other 7 are all new. We have carried out a high quality selection. I am grateful to the management of the club, the President, the General Director, that we selected good players, in which they greatly helped and participated. I think the players do not regret being selected. Many have big clubs ahead. The same Castaneda, Gustavo, Cris and others - there are many good football players, believe me, who can play stronger in the Championships, in the same Ukraine, for example.
- How do you feel about records? There are 4 rounds left and you can surpass Zimbru in the number of goals ...
- We have already made a record, because before that Sheriff did not score 100 goals. This is already a record. I know that Zimbru scored 112 goals in Moldova. We scored 104. What soldier doesn't dream of becoming a general. I told the boys that if there is a chance, then they need to take advantage. We will see how it will be at the end of the Championship.
- And Castaneda goes to the club record ...
- If he had scored everything that he had today, I think he would have done it today. Everything is in his hands. He has 23 goals and the record is 27.4 goals left and 4 tours. If he wants to leave his name in the history of the club, then I just wish him the best.
- You can hear the boys celebrating. What did you tell them in the dressing room after the match?
- Thank you very much. They came out and from the first minutes it was clear that there was a charge. They did everything we asked. Milsami is a very good club. I have said and will continue to say - I like this team. But, apparently, at the beginning we crumpled them a little. A quick goal plus high pressure. We didn't let them do anything. I'm happy for the boys, and they just have to play like that. The tasks that we face in Europe - I hope if we strengthen several positions, then everything will depend on us, plus the right preparation.
FC Sheriff Press Office
FC Sheriff Press Office