Ihor Surkis, president of FC Dynamo Kyiv, has publicly commented on the work of head coach Maciej Kendzerek, highlighting the key challenges and achievements of the Polish specialist since his appointment. Speaking through the club's press service, the Dynamo chief acknowledged that Kendzerek's players are not yet demonstrating optimal physical fitness, but emphasized that this is due to objective reasons and is not a reason to replace the manager. According to Surkis, the new coach simply did not have enough time for the full pre-season preparation that is traditionally carried out during the inter-season training camp.
Physical Unreadiness as a Consequence of Tight Schedules
Surkis pointedly stated that "the team is not yet physically ready to play at the highest level." The Dynamo president gave a specific example: even in moments when the Kyiv side played with a numerical advantage, the lack of physical preparation was noticeable. At the same time, Surkis expressed confidence that the upcoming two-week break in the calendar will allow Kendzerek to make up for lost time and bring the players to the required level of readiness. "Today, I trust him," summarized the club chief, thereby dismissing any talk of a possible dismissal of the manager.
Parallel with the Arda Turan Era
Surkis also dwelt on a comparison between the current period and the era of Arda Turan serving as Dynamo's head coach. According to the club president, the Turkish specialist was given a quality squad at the time, whereas in the current Dynamo team, the core consists of Ukrainian footballers. This remark by Surkis indirectly indicates that the club management views current difficulties not as a result of coaching mistakes, but as a consequence of objective personnel and time constraints with which Kendzerek has been forced to work since his appointment.
Dressing Room Atmosphere: "Haven't Seen This in Years"
The most emotional part of Surkis's speech was his assessment of the changes in the team after the arrival of Kendzerek and his coaching staff. The Dynamo president noted that the new manager brought familiar specialists with him, which helped improve the microclimate in the team. "In recent years, I haven't seen an atmosphere in the dressing room like the one that reigns today, even after a game we didn't win," Surkis stated. According to him, even after a disappointing result, the mood within the group remains positive, which, in the president's opinion, is an important indicator of stability and unity.
Context: Draw with Shakhtar in the 12th Round of the UPL
Surkis's comments came against the backdrop of a recent 12th-round match of the Ukrainian Premier League, in which Dynamo drew 0-0 away against Shakhtar Donetsk. This Ukrainian clásico did not pass without a red card, adding intrigue and complicating the task for the Kyiv team in the second half. It was this result—a draw rather than a win—that Surkis mentioned in his speech, emphasizing that despite missing out on three points, the team atmosphere was unaffected. "Today we drew 0-0. We will fight on, and I hope he succeeds," the Dynamo president concluded, confirming the course to continue working with Kendzerek.
