PRO SPORT
© AS Monaco
OLEG PETROV , VICE-PRESIDENT OF AS MONACO , answers the questions of Olga Taran , editor-in-chief of Hello Monaco magazine
HelloMonaco : This year AS Monaco managed to make a return to the Champions League and took third place in Ligue 1 . What changes helped you to achieve this result ?
Oleg Petrov : Last summer , we decided to open a new chapter by setting up the sporting organisation to achieve our objectives . The arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director and Niko Kovač as first team coach , two recruitments in line with this plan , has set a positive dynamic in motion . We have drawn together a young and offensive team , which corresponds to Niko ’ s philosophy . He has a lot of experience at the top level , as does Paul . Paul and Niko bring their skills . And their key word is ‘ work ’. Nothing happens by chance and the excellent season we have just had proved it .
: When you came to ASM to replace Vadim Vasiliev two years ago , the Club ’ s owner Dmitry Rybolovlev set you the task to get back to the Champions League . What goals does he set for you today ?
OP : President Dmitry Rybolovlev is very ambitious . He invests his time and money in AS Monaco because he loves the Club and wants the best for it . The arrival of the Performance Centre is a perfect example . Everything is set up so that the players are in optimum conditions and the President is constantly pushing us to achieve good results . I like this philosophy . It should drive us in everything we do .
: You worked as a top manager in two major Russian companies — Uralkali and Alrosa . Both are not related to sports and football in particular . Why did you accept Rybolovlev ’ s offer ? Weren ’ t you afraid to enter a completely unknown field for you ?
OP : My professional life has given me the opportunity to work in several countries and in different fields of activity . I have learned a lot from these experiences . I have known Dmitry since 2001 . Our relationship goes far beyond football . When he called me in 2019 and offered me to join AS Monaco , I did not hesitate . I knew that this challenge , in a club led by Dmitry , would inevitably be interesting . Today , I do not regret my choice at all , quite the contrary , and I continue my mission with desire and determination .
: Do your previous activities help you in your current new role and how ?
OP : From these different experiences , I have learned to be very adaptable . This is essential in football .
: Which match of AS Monaco was the most memorable for you this season ?
OP : In a season , there are several matches that are decisive . I remember a victory against Strasbourg last September at Stade Louis-II .
74 / Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2021 www . hellomonaco . com