When a year ago you came from Bratislava to Ramenskoye, did you get used to your new job for a long time?
No, it was not so difficult. Ramenskoye is somewhat similar to Petrzalka - the working district of Bratislava, where my previous Artmedia team performed. The similarity is not so much external as mental. Both in Petrzalka and in Ramenskoye, wonderful relations with people were immediately established. But in Russia it’s even easier to work now.
Why?
Slovakia is still a very small country and there are fewer opportunities for creating strong clubs in it. And in Russia, I was convinced that your football is capable of developing rapidly. The same stadium in Ramenskoye is quite small, but it looks much more modern than Bratislava. I’m not even talking about the club base - in Europe there are almost none.
Where do you live?
When my team and I are preparing for the matches, I live at the base and live in the coaching apartments. But the club also rented an apartment in Moscow for me. I won’t give you the exact address, but, in my opinion, it’s almost in the center - right on the embankment of the Moscow River. My wife, when she comes to Russia, really likes it. But my two sons have not been to Moscow yet. They are not up to travel now - they are getting an education. One in Slovakia, the other in England.
Your youngest son is graduating from Manchester City. Do you expect him to play in the British Premier League?
There is, of course, no guarantee. The guy is only 17 years old. But, having traveled to Manchester the other day, I was convinced that after a year and a half of studying in England, my child had considerably matured. Independent life teaches him a lot, which I am very happy. In general, the trip to England was very pleasant. I enjoyed watching the Manchester City derby - Manchester United.
Have you ever met the famous coach of the latter, Sir Alex Ferguson?
No, although the meeting was scheduled. But I was not particularly upset about this.
When you are alone in Moscow, don’t you miss?
No, what are you! Firstly, football takes a lot of time - one or two matches a week plus training. And secondly, I had enough good friends in Russia. And I have a wonderful relationship with the leaders of Saturn, they are not limited to one job. I have been invited more than once to the country, to the country.
How do you transfer Russian feasts?
Absolutely no problem. The main thing in them, as in everything, is to know the measure. I know that vodka is very popular in Russia, but I bring a plum brandy and boletus to the club staff as a gift from Bratislava so that they can understand Slovak drinks.
Feel that you have become a popular person in Ramenskoye?
Football fans are a special topic. They are amazing to me. But I would call it not popularity, but understanding. And this is the main gift for me. You know how sometimes fans start to behave if the team doesn’t succeed. So in Ramenskoye I was convinced that football fans have patience here.
In your homeland, you made Artmedia the champion, and then even brought her to the Champions League. Can Saturn repeat this success?
I understand perfectly well that in Russia the competition is much higher. In the Slovak championship there are no such powerful clubs as CSKA and Spartak. But I'm not going to stop halfway. My contract with Saturn is designed for another two years. And during this time, I’m sure we can take a big step forward.
You have no fear that during the holidays the club may lose its leader Alexei Eremenko, who is interested in Spartak?
I’m almost sure that Aleksey will start the new season all the same at Saturn. Incidentally, I myself appointed him captain of the team. This guy loves football and life very much. Although sometimes emotions overwhelm him. I hope he finds the right path everywhere, and personally I am ready to help him in this.
How did you feel about the proposal that clubs pay for inviting foreign coaches?
In Western Europe, this is impossible - there I would not be considered a foreigner when hiring. However, how many foreign trainers are currently working in Russia - three? Weiss, Lawyer and Hiddink on the team. I don’t think that we are taking bread from someone. But I respect Russian laws and mentality. I only hope that I will be able to prove that a foreign coach can also be useful.
Mikhail SHPENKOV