The state of the turf at the Sochi arena «Fisht» is one of the most discussed topics in Russian football in last days. How come a field in southern Russia looks so bad? Veniamin Bogomolov, the head of the stadium, in an interview named the main reasons for this situation, spoke about the preparations for the upcoming Russian Cup match, and also explained why Sochi does not think about laying artificial turf.
— Veniamin , many are worried about the state of the lawn at Fisht. What are the causes of such problems?
— Since 2017, every year there are problems in August and September. This is due to the fact that in Russia there was no experience in laying fields in a subtropical climate, so the technology used throughout Russia was used. During this period, the soil warms up to plus 30 degrees, which prevents the root system from stabilizing. We all know that sand is a fairly serious heat accumulator, it needs more time to cool down. Remember, in childhood, grandmothers put different bags on their knees, because this is a good heating pad. If we talk about the technical characteristics of the lawn, then they meet the standards. Yes, there is no picture, but the indicators are all normal, which was repeatedly confirmed by the commissions visiting us. Recently there was a commission of the RPL, she also confirmed this.
“We are now working, every year we improve our technology, we use field coverings, this gives us the opportunity to more or less contain it. But the fields in the middle lane in the spring do not cause the same concern for you, right? There was a stereotype — it's cold, so the fields, despite the presence of different technologies, are bad. We have exactly the opposite, in Russia there is no experience in operating fields in a subtropical climate. There are only three such zones in the world, you need to understand this. In the same Qatar, if you remember, there were problems with lawns, but there is a completely different humidity. Plus, do not forget that we have not yet had four matches in August, for our field this is a serious load in such a hot time. This is exactly the same as playing four matches in the middle lane in early spring.
— In recent days, you have faced criticism from both experts and ordinary fans. Does it hurt?
— Of course, I'm worried about this issue, because our service is working at its limit. And when there is so much criticism, especially when it is a little unfounded, with all due respect to colleagues, it undermines the psychological component a little. But it's okay, we'll manage, we'll do everything.
Given the schedule of matches, we were unable to cover the field in order to stabilize its condition. It is wrong to talk about unqualified personnel and lack of resources at the stadium, because during the existence of the lawn it so happened that five agronomists and one organization were replaced, but the situation did not change radically for the better. Yes, every year it is gradually improving due to the fact that we introduce new technologies for field operation. Now there are problems with the fields all over Sochi, and we do not maintain them. This once again confirms the fact that the matter is not in professionalism, but in the situation itself. pass the Russian Cup match between Sochi and CSKA. Will the lawn be ready for sure?
— According to the plan, we have this match further, after which we cover the field. At least there was no information about the postponement of the match with CSKA, the stadium is preparing for the game according to the plan.
—Some radical fans are wondering if such torment occurs with the field every year, why why not lay an artificial turf on Fisht? What could you answer them?
— It's good for me, I won't suffer. But then we forget about professional football. We have certified only one stadium with artificial turf for league matches (in Orenburg — ed.). If it is possible to have a natural lawn, it is necessary to exploit it.