---
title: "\"Haven't Seen This in Years\": Surkis Explains Dynamo's Physical Unreadiness and Praises Kendzerek for Dressing Room Atmosphere"
description: "Dynamo President Ihor Surkis explained the team's physical unreadiness by the lack of a full pre-season camp and expressed confidence in Maciej Kendzerek, noting the best dressing room atmosphere in recent years."
date: 2026-11-08T20:21:59.699Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/surkis-praises-kendzerek-and-dynamo-atmosphere
tags: [dynamo-kyiv, maciej-kedziora, igor-surkis, upl, shakhtar, football, ukraine]
author: "Dmitriy Shatolov"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# "Haven't Seen This in Years": Surkis Explains Dynamo's Physical Unreadiness and Praises Kendzerek for Dressing Room Atmosphere

![FC Dynamo Kyiv President Ihor Surkis on the football pitch during team training](https://xab.info/media/2026/11/08/surkis-ocenil-kendzeroka-i-atmosferu-v-dinamo/surkis-ocenil-kendzeroka-i-atmosferu-v-dinamo-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Surkis explained Dynamo's physical unreadiness by the fact that Kendzerek lacked a proper pre-season camp
- The club president declared full confidence in Kendzerek and expects progress after the two-week break
- Surkis compared the current squad to the Turan era, pointing out the core of Ukrainian players
- The Dynamo chief noted the best dressing room atmosphere in recent years, even after a 0-0 draw with Shakhtar

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.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- ["За последние годы такого не видел": Суркис неожиданно оценил изменения в "Динамо"](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/football/za-ostanni-roki-takogo-bachiv-surkis-nespodivano-1794168966.html) - Primary source: Surkis's quotes via Dynamo's press service, context of the 12th UPL round match (0-0 with Shakhtar). All facts in the article match the source text.

## FAQ

### Why does Surkis explain Dynamo's problems by physical unreadiness?

According to the club president, Kendzerek did not have enough time for proper team preparation, which is usually done during an inter-season training camp. Surkis believes this is why the team is not yet playing at its maximum level.

### Is Dynamo considering replacing Kendzerek?

No. Surkis directly stated: "Today, I trust him" and "I completely trust him." The club president expressed confidence that after the two-week break, the manager will be able to bring the team to the necessary shape.

### What was Dynamo's result in their last match?

In the 12th round of the UPL, Dynamo played a 0-0 away draw against Shakhtar. The match featured a red card.

### What did Surkis say about the dressing room atmosphere?

The Dynamo president stated that he hasn't seen such an atmosphere in the dressing room in recent years, even after a lost or drawn game. According to him, Kendzerek brought familiar specialists who improved the team's microclimate.