Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dynamo FC Dmitry Gafin answered questions from journalists and fans during a press conference dedicated to the appointment of Valery Karpin as the head coach of the Moscow club.
— How did you come to the candidacy of Valery Georgievich Karpin? Did you have it right away? Tell us how the negotiation process went.
— I'll tell you a secret – Valery Georgievich's candidacy has been attractive to us for a long time. For various reasons, the appointment has only just happened. The circumstances so coincided that we managed to agree on joint movement further in the same direction. If you ask "why?", we like the football that Karpin's teams played.
The team had the same name, but they played differently. Yes, it depended on the performers and the chosen style. Every time, as we saw it, Valery Georgievich managed to squeeze almost the maximum out of the available composition. In addition, Karpin is a charismatic person who, we hope, will lead our team to the goals and objectives that we and our fans set for us. We know and understand perfectly well – it's no secret to anyone that everyone has been waiting for trophies.
— Due to the availability of an option in the contract that if the Russian national team returns to the international arena, Valery Georgievich will completely switch to the national team, were there any concerns that the specialist, in fact, might not finalize the contract and leave the club earlier?
— I think that the RFU has exhaustively outlined the terms of the contract. It really is. From the moment the national team is admitted to the official games, it is prescribed that our head coach should return to work with the national team. As for the timing of when this will take place, we cannot assume. Nevertheless, we are set up for the most productive period of work with Valery Georgievich. We know for sure that his energy and charisma will be enough to lead our club in the right direction. Everything else does not depend on us.
— Not only results and trophies are important, but also how they will be achieved. Does the current selection of Dynamo players correspond to Karpin's vision of football? How does Valery Georgievich interact with the club when it comes to inviting new players?
— I must say that at the preliminary stage, when we talked, and now there is a close contact between the head coach and the sports department to discuss positions, candidates of football players. There is no situation, and there cannot be one, where Valery Georgievich suddenly discovers a football player in training whom he has never seen in his life. And I haven't heard of him.
We are in close contact. The club has its own understanding and vision of how we complete. At the moment we are in the process of recruiting. Some transfers have been made, some transfers are waiting for us. I will tell you in advance that we do not comment on rumors, but will notify you about any acquisitions that have occurred. In addition, it is important to preserve and develop those players who are in the squad today. We have a sufficient number of talented players who have the potential for further development.
— I would like to clarify right away. You said that some transfers were made. The club has announced so far only about Osipenko. Are there any other transfers that have already been arranged, but they have not been announced? Are there any such players?
— There are no such transfers. When the transfers are made, we will announce them.
—Where's Carrascal?"
— Carrascal is late for today. We expect Jorge to arrive at the club's location in the near future.
— What were the biggest difficulties in the negotiations of the club with Valery Karpin?
— I will add to the words of Valery Georgievich that there were no difficulties on the part of the club. It was just a workflow.
— Bitello was a talked-about figure last winter. What is the club planning for him this summer? Contract extension, negotiations.
— Unlike many other players, Bitello returned to the club's location one day before the official date. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with discipline. Bitello has three more years left on his contract at our club. The footballer showed himself well in the spring. In our opinion, Bitello has a serious impact on the team's game. We appreciate him very much and look forward to further cooperation.
— Who was the initiator of Valery Karpin's invitation to the post of Dynamo head coach? Zeljko Buvac also proposed this candidacy?
— The opinion of the club's management is consolidated, starting from the board of directors and including Zeljko Buvac mentioned by you. We definitely agreed that the sum of the qualities of Valery Georgievich Karpin corresponds to what the Dynamo football club wants to see. As we mentioned earlier, we will do our best to achieve our goals and objectives. With the permission of Valery Georgievich, I will reveal a secret that at some point he and Zeljko met and talked for quite a long time. As a result of this conversation, the parties agreed on football and the further development of our joint activities.