— The club had a good season. There was a slight aftertaste from the fact that fourth place was very close, but we could not take points in the last round. However, if we remember that we just returned to the major leagues, then fifth place is a very good result.
I am sure that this is not luck or a coincidence, but the results of the systematic work of the club. We started preparing this team two years ago, when we played in the first league with almost the same squad.
And then we took more risks, because our young guys, most of them students of the club, were not yet ready to take responsibility at decisive moments, but over the past time they have matured.
This season, the roster was replenished with experienced Naumov, Bashilov and Girs (Zhumaev almost did not play due to injuries), and we had a combat-ready team. All our guys have improved significantly over the past season, and some of the promising ones have turned into football players.
I think at least two of them, if they don’t lower their demands on themselves, should reach the national team.
— In the history of the club there were championship medals, a victory in the Cup, and participation in European cups, but there were also falls. What does the result primarily depend on?
— In no way do I want to diminish the merits of the people who coached the team and took to the field in successful times, their predecessors, but the place occupied by the team primarily reflects the attitude of the city leadership towards football and specifically towards the club. This applies not only to victories, but also to falls. I’m sure this is true not only in Vitebsk.
— To what extent will you be able to maintain the roster for the next season?
“Many young guys have shown themselves well, and there is a demand for them. An agreement has been reached with most of our players on contract extensions; there are long-term contracts. I’m not ready to talk in more detail about the next season yet.
