Volodymyr Baienko: We must not stop, but develop Ukrainian football as much and better as possible

The General Director of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Volodymyr Baienko took part in the Diplomatic Padel Tournament - the second international padel tournament, organized by the president of FC Polissya Hennadii Butkevych.

The large-scale event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, government, business, culture and sports in Kyiv. The Diplomatic Padel Tournament became not only a sports event, but also an effective platform for international dialogue, the development of partnerships and the creation of new opportunities for joint initiatives and projects.

After the tournament, Volodymyr Volodymyrovych answered journalists' questions.

- At such tournaments, where you meet your colleagues in the football department, do you discuss any football topics?

- We probably discuss football topics 24/7 always. It makes no difference - on the paddle court, or in offices, or by phone. Many questions, a lot of communication, discussions. Now is probably one of the best times in Ukrainian football, when all the clubs are open, when our Ukrainian football is developing from a managerial point of view. And that's why we talk here, both off the field and during the games. Even when we just meet somewhere in the city, we also communicate on football topics. We have a lot, a lot in common.

- The last football topic that really touched everyone, that was discussed, what was it?

- The refereeing reform. We are working very intensively on it now, there is communication. I think that in the near future there will be feedback from the working group on the developments. This is probably the hottest topic right now for discussion and for discussion in the football world of Ukraine.

- Recently, Kryvbas' matches have been very spectacular. And thanks to this, you know, everyone says: "Well, you see how wonderful the Ukrainian Premier League is." I am interested in your opinion.

- It is very nice that they recognize us, that they are interested in us. This is the popularization of football. This is what we want to do, this product is the Ukrainian Premier League. And I want to say, it's not just Kryvbas that plays spectacularly. Many clubs also played good matches and scored a lot of goals.

First of all, we need to bring back the fans, attract attention and bring them back to football, because there is a war going on in the country. And many fans are now at the front, many fans have died. But there are their families, their children, who are always present at these matches. It is for them, thanks to them, that we play football, develop it.

I believe that we should not stop, but develop Ukrainian football as much and better as possible so that it is and remains the number one sport in Ukraine. And we should do everything to make it transparent, understandable, interesting. And then we will all enjoy Ukrainian football.

- So you like how your team plays?

- I always like how our team plays. And the most important thing we love football for is that it evokes any emotions. Even if they are negative or positive. The main thing is that it evokes emotions. And that is exactly what our team does: it evokes emotions.

- Is there already a queue of potential buyers lined up behind Mendoza?

- There has not been any official appeal yet. Maybe someone there wants it, dreams about it, but you need to contact the club. I think it is too early to talk about it - the championship is ongoing, everyone is focused on the result, on the game.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih