“They told us: the club is bankrupt.” The Russian goalkeeper had unexpected problems in Europe

Zenit student Maxim Rudakov had an excellent 2023 season in Finland. He had 11 shutouts and ranked first in the league in goals prevented (6.88). Only the end of this story was sad. For all Honky.

—On November 21, his club was declared bankrupt. Is the first reaction shock? —I ask the doorman himself. —Actually, all this started back in October. We had important games: the qualifying playoffs for the European competition. An interesting mini-tournament. We went to the quarterfinals on penalties and then to the semifinals. And at the end of the month, before the decisive games of the season, for the first time they did not pay us our salary. There were some problems during the season, but then a really serious call was made that something was wrong at the club. Without prior notice or explanation. In the first final we lost 0-1 and after the second the coach said: “It will most likely be our last game.” Yes, we ourselves already understood that not everything was going very well. The club had one week to settle its debts with the team and obtain the license to participate in the next season. The management did not do this, and ten days later Honka was declared bankrupt. Everything happened very quickly.

— Were there major delays in salaries? — Officially, our last day of work at Honka was last Wednesday. After that, everyone was fired from the club. The salary arrears at that time amounted to two months. In addition, bonuses for reaching European competitions were suspended last season.

—Who sponsored “Honka”? — Private investor. He owns a chain of gyms in Helsinki and has other businesses. As I understand it, he disagreed with the local authorities about building a new stadium and said: “If that’s the case, I won’t sponsor the club at all.” He burned bridges instantly, even without talking to the team.

-Have you ever seen him? — We saw each other once every two years — at the awards ceremony for third place.

—But weren’t it just the financial problems that led you to think about leaving? — No, no, I realized even before that I needed to go to another level, look for new challenges. I didn’t want to sit in one place. We need to grow. Last year I resumed playing practices, returned to a good level and grew. I spent my second season at Honka even better than the previous one, but I decided to get out of my comfort zone and move forward. Only then did this situation occur. My election and the bankruptcy of the club are things that have no relationship. Just a coincidence. The management and the coach were aware.

FC Honka

Photo: From the personal archive of Maxim Rudakov.

—Did you catch up on bankruptcy news while you were on vacation? — The season ended at the beginning of November, but according to the calendar we had to continue training until the end of the month. The club’s closure was announced at a meeting, although internally everyone was already prepared for it. This is the first time this has happened to me.

– Now you will sue for what you won? —The local soccer players union promised to help us. Now we are preparing the documents. I think a percentage will be returned to us. True, it is not clear when.

—Was the end of the Finnish adventure spoiled? – Of course, I would like to leave with more grace. But it turned out the way it turned out.

—Didn’t the fans organize protests? — They shouted something in the stadium, but there were no real protests. The Honka brand itself will remain alive, but in the third league, with a slightly different name and with a new owner. It is clear that there will be other additions to the team.

—Was there some kind of farewell dinner? – Yes, we sat, we talked, we said warm words to each other. This unpleasant situation has even brought us together. On the field everyone fought for each other. You can’t say about anyone that they hung their nose and stopped playing. They looked very good.

— If it weren’t for financial problems, how would you evaluate the second season in Honka and the fourth in Finland? —If we take a purely football component, the season was excellent. I managed to grow as a player and the statistics prove it. After the season, my goalkeeping coach and I sat down and looked at the numbers to see how much I had progressed in things like play formation and goal defense. And many fewer goals were conceded than expected. Overall, the league’s statistics are the best. I’m glad I spent time at Honka. All the people around me treated me great.

—What else can you put in your favor in 2023? —We played the final of the Finnish Cup. I would also highlight two European Cup matches with Tobol. On a personal level, both were a success for me. He kept the team in the game until the last minute of the second leg. In the end they could have tied it and sent the game to extra time. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.

— Did you know Evgeny Bashkirov from Zenit? — Yes, yes, we have known each other since I arrived at the Zenit subsidiary. Zhenya was already there. He kept trying and trying to score against me this season. He had many moments. And in the last game he achieved it.

—Was it a shame that a compatriot was left out of the playoffs? — It’s always a shame when a goalkeeper misses a goal, no matter what it is.

— Did you chat before or after the game? — We get along well with him, we are constantly in contact. Of course, we talked after the game.

How are you doing? Are you happy with everything? — Well, yes, the UPU had a great season and he played very well. I think it’s a sin for him to complain.

—And the locals probably already perceive you as one of their own? – No problem, they treat me well.

— Don’t you remember the Zenit legend Mikhail Biryukov? “It is clear that young people do not remember him, but I have heard about him from the older generation.”

– What do you think you should do next? — I have another six months of contract with Rostov. Anyway, technically I’m back at the club. And then we will all sit down together and find the optimal solution for me. There are already some conversations and options, but no specific details yet.

Maxim Rudakov

Photo: From the personal archive of Maxim Rudakov.

— Do you allow not only a technical but also a real return to Rostov? – Everything is possible. I don’t know how it will turn out.

—Are you in contact with the Rostov boys? — Yes, Seriozha Pesyakov and I are friends.

— Do you complain about endless trips? — Sergei has a strong character. He’s not the type of person to complain.

– Don’t these moments bother you? – No. It is clear that this is not very pleasant, but the guys are driving and, despite this, they had a successful last season.

— What was your longest trip in Finland? — To the Åland Islands. We left at five in the morning and arrived at the port at eight. Then by ferry. You arrive at lunchtime, relax for a couple of hours, play and go home. It took about six hours to get to the northern cities by bus: Vaasa, Seinäjoki. Flights are generally not practiced there.

— Are you even considering the possibility of continuing your career in Finland? — In Finland there is a fairly good level of football, HJK plays in the group stage of the Conference League, but to grow as an athlete you have to reach higher and further. At least try.