Mladen Bartulovic: "Metalist 1925" gives the impression of an ambitious and promising structure"

The new head coach of "Metalist 1925" Mladen Bartulovic gave his first interview as the coach of the team from Kharkiv:

— Welcome to "Metalist 1925". What are your first impressions of the club?

— Thank you! I also want to thank the president and all the management of "Metalist 1925" for their trust. Yes, I have already arrived, visited the place. Currently, unfortunately, the team is not based in Kharkiv, but the club management is doing everything possible to create comfortable working conditions. And it is very noticeable. "Metalist 1925" gives the impression of an ambitious and promising structure. I have already been introduced to the entire internal organization - motivated professionals work here. The infrastructure is great, despite the fact that we are not in our hometown. Overall, I am very pleased with what I see. Today we will meet the players directly, yesterday they were still undergoing a medical examination. But I, of course, studied the squad well before signing the contract. We already have ready transfers that will be announced soon, and I do not exclude that there may be more players by the start of the season.

— During the off-season, your name was one of the most popular in the coaching market. What was decisive in accepting the offer from "Metalist 1925"?

— The representatives of "Metalist 1925" were the first to contact. For me, the key was communication with the management. We quickly understood that we are looking in the same direction, we have similar ambitions and aspirations. This was the determining factor.

— Regarding the coaching staff. Who will be part of your team?

— Among the new faces that were not previously in the club, there is Sergiy Dolgansky. Also, people who know "Metalist 1925" better will work: Alexander Chizhov, Andriy Polunin, Maksim Tsvirenko, analyst Valentin Yermak, fitness coach Andriy Shabalin. Perhaps someone else will join the coaching staff, its formation is not yet complete.

— What kind of football do you want to see from "Metalist 1925"? What is your philosophy of the game?

— It's important to me that the team is not afraid of the opponent, plays boldly and with pressing - even against strong opponents. We have to impose our football, control the ball, be aggressive in attack. I want to balance positional football and transition phases. This requires appropriate players - and I believe that we can tie everything together into a single system.

— Part of the team's preparation will take place in Austria. Are you familiar with the conditions there?

— Yes, the conditions are excellent - everything needed for quality work will be provided. This is very important to prepare the team for the season at a high level.

— You mentioned matches in Kharkiv. Have you played there as an opposing footballer, what are your memories? 

— There was always a wonderful atmosphere in Kharkiv, a beautiful and full stadium, strong support. I have nostalgia for that time. I really want us to return and play at home, with our fans. This is very important. This is really the dream of the whole club, which we strive for.