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Tymoschuk: 2010 will be great
Now in his prime at the age of 29, Ukraine international Anatoliy Tymoschuk
started out as a pro in his home town of Lutsk in 1995, where he spent
two seasons with local club Volyn. The holding midfielder switched to
Shakhtar Donetsk in 1997, going on to score 32 goals in 227 appearances,
and made a significant contribution to Shakhtar's seven domestic league
titles in this period.
After a decade at Ukraine's leading club, he crossed the border to Russian
outfit Zenit St. Petersburg in February 2007, finishing his first season
with another league championship medal. In 2008, the 1.82 metre (5 ft
11 ? in) enforcer captained his side to triumphs in the UEFA Cup and European
Super Cup. The 2002, 2006 and 2008 Ukrainian Player of the Year also fills
a vital role as vice-captain of his national team.
The man who appears set for a move to Bayern Munich this year spoke to
FIFA.com about his role and responsibilities on the field of play, his
personal future, and FIFA World CupT qualifying with Ukraine.
FIFA.com: Anatoliy Tymoschuk, I hope 2009 has started well for you. What
are your goals this year?
Anatoly Tymoschuk: Many thanks. First of all, I'd like to wish everyone
who loves football, and especially everyone who plays, all the best for
2009. The game makes people happier. In terms of my personal goals, I
always set my sights as high as possible, and I'll do my best to hit the
targets I've set myself.
We'll talk about the future a little later, but let's first look back
to 2008. You triumphed in the UEFA Cup with Zenit St. Petersburg, but
finished a disappointing fifth in the Russian Premier Liga. What's your
take on last year?
It was a fantastic year for our club. We won three trophies in 2008: the
Russian Super Cup, the UEFA Cup and the European Super Cup. Everyone will
have forgotten our fifth-place finish in a couple of years, but the two
European trophies will always be part of our history.
This season, you've missed out on the UEFA Champions League knockout stages
and you're now back in the UEFA Cup, where your next opponents are VfB
Stuttgart. What are you aiming to achieve on the European stage?
Experience is a significant factor in these competitions. We didn't have
enough of it for the Champions League, although we actually played very
well. It's a shame we didn't make the next stage, but at least we're still
in the UEFA Cup. We're aiming very high as a team, and we'll do whatever
it takes to achieve our goals. The task now is to be fully prepared for
the knockout rounds.
You're generally regarded as a hard-working, technically adept footballer,
who's also good for a goal or two. Is that a fair description of yourself?
I'm the kind of guy you'd call 'fully committed'. I aim to win every game
I play. I'm a battler, and I'll always give my best for the team.
The holding midfield position is becoming more and more important every
season. How would you define your role, both for your club and for your
country?
I started out in football as a striker. I've changed position nine times
since then, but I'm extremely comfortable with my current role in defensive
midfield. Switching positions a lot was a valuable experience, and I do
think versatility is a real advantage. My role on the pitch is certainly
an important one, but I regard the entire midfield unit as a vital factor
in maintaining the balance within a team. My priority is to prevent goals
being scored, but I'm always ready to get forward if the opportunity arises.
The game's getting faster with every passing season, which means the players
have to be smarter. We need to think and act faster than before.
Turning to your personal future, is there a dream club Anatoliy Tymoschuk
would love to play for one day?
Every player who has the desire to make progress also has a dream. Even
as a boy, I wanted to play for my country, win trophies, take part in
a World Cup, and play in a top European league. I'm trying to realise
these dreams step by step. They can come true, as I've found out for myself
last year. I'm now hoping I can fulfil my remaining dreams.
Bayern Munich, Germany's most successful club, have made an offer for
you, but you've yet to make a final decision over your future.
Bayern initially contacted Zenit to if they'd consider a transfer back
in August 2008. At the present time, everything depends on negotiations
between the clubs. I'll be able to say more once they've reached a deal.
I don't feel under any kind of pressure, and I'm currently preparing myself
for the new season in Russia. Any transfer is a matter for the two clubs.
Turning to the international scene, Ukraine are currently engaged in qualifying
for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South AfricaT. After two wins and a draw from
your first three games, you lie third in European Zone Group 6 behind
England and Croatia. What are you hoping to take from your forthcoming
games, and how would you rate your group opponents?
We need good results, we need to play high-quality football, and we need
desire and the will to win from the first minute until the last. I think
we've landed in a tough group with very difficult opponents. Every match
is unpredictable. We're level on points with Croatia at the moment and
have a number of crucial matches coming up. We have several new faces
in the team, we're in a transitional phase, and that'll require time and
patience. There are a number of favourites on paper, but what happens
on the field of play is what counts.
You played at Germany 2006. What are your memories of the tournament two
and a half years ago, and what are your expectations of the first global
showdown on African soil?
2006 was my first World Cup, and I have to say it was fantastically well-organised.
I have very positive memories of Germany. We were supported by millions
of Ukrainians all over the world. We had an excellent tournament, we delighted
our fans, and we provided them with some fabulous moments. I spent the
day of the Final in Milan, and I won't be forgetting the celebrations
there in a hurry. I'm aware of what the World Cup means to billions all
over the globe. After you've been to the World Cup once, it's a tournament
you're determined to experience again. Our national team will do our level
best to be part of South Africa 2010. Africa loves football, which is
why the continent deserves to host the tournament. The event is a massive
opportunity to boost the game and the country. It promises to be an unforgettable
festival.
FIFA World Cup Ticketing
The FIFA World Cup is an incomparable event. If you plan on attending
South Africa 2010, be sure to sign up, for free, to the FIFA.com Club
before ticket sales begin on 20 February. It's just another reason to
join The Club, which also includes Fantasy Football and Predictor games,
complete with fantastic prizes.
FIFA.com,
16 February 2009
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