Cherchesov: I'm a democratic dictator

"I enjoyed life," Stanislav Cherchesov replied with a laugh when asked what he was doing in the period from his dismissal in Russia to his employment in Hungary. The 58-year-old expert is now taking the plunge back into the job and believes he has no problem switching since he last managed a club in 2016.

"I'm at a great club with a long history. The fans of Ferencváros did not even have to be introduced to me; I remember in the Europa League, the team played in fully packed stadiums. I know they expect a lot from me. My message to them is that I believe in hard work," the Russian head coach said.

Cherchesov said at the press conference that he knows both Serhiy Rebrov and Peter Stöger, who previously trained FTC. According to him, he's known the latter for about 20 years, and even, as it turned out, he spoke with the Austrian professional at the beginning of his work.

"We talked on the phone. We didn't discuss who the problematic players are in the squad, we didn't talk about the tactics; it was just a conversation between two friends. But even if we had talked about these things, I wouldn't share them with the media," he said.

Perhaps the most concerning question for journalists and fans is the goals Cherchesov set out to work in Hungary and the style of play he envisions with the team.

"First of all, I need to get to know the team thoroughly. After that, our goal will be to win the Hungarian topflight and, of course, only then can we talk about anything else. I don't know everyone well yet, but I do know that my players are always the best. I've already sat down to talk to our team captain, Dénes Dibusz," the coach said while adding: "It wouldn't be nice to talk about reinforcements without knowing everyone well yet."

The Russian coach also said he had not yet thought about adding Russian national team players to the squad. Regarding youth players, he noted that it's easier to buy footballers than to raise them, but he'll also count on young players.

Of course, the topic of Cherchesov's famous rigor came up. The Russian coach believes that "discipline is necessary in a professional club, and there should be no room for dissension or individual wills."

The expert did not wish to comment on the future opponents but noted that Csaba Máté, who strengthens his staff, will be of great help in mapping the NB I field.

The new head coach of Ferencváros held his press conference in German, but there was a question whether he wanted to learn Hungarian, for example.

„Egészségedre!” (Cheers!) – Cherchesov responded with perhaps one of the most well-known Hungarian phrases among foreigners, and then extended his answer: "nem" (no).

Speaking in German again, the coach said his primary goal now is to improve his English skills.

"I hope to be able to speak it well in a month or two. By the way, there's one thing I don't understand. You were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, weren't you? How come more people speak English than German?" Cherchesov joked, who left a summary of his coaching philosophy at the end of the press conference.

"I am a democratic dictator," he declared, noting that he would of course listen to his players, but he makes the decisions.

Stanislav Cherchesov will make his debut as the head coach of Ferencváros on Thursday, January 27th at the home of the Puskás Akadémia, following the team's winter training camp.

Translated by Vanda Orosz