“My relationship with coach Glenn Hoddle did not work out,” continues Rebrov. “I thought that since this specialist had already worked in France and was familiar with the intricacies of European football, he would definitely understand me. In my first matches for Tottenham, I played from whistle to whistle. Almost everything worked out for me on the pitch, and the coach seemed satisfied.
But then everything turned upside down. I cannot even explain what exactly happened. When a new coach comes, calls you into his office and says: listen, I will bring in several new players, and there will be no place for you in the lineup, you can start looking for a new team – that is good. There is certainty, even if it is not cheerful. But when the coach declares: do not worry, you will play, and you constantly sit on the bench, it is depressing. I waited for my chance for a whole year, and then the club lost interest in me, because I had no match practice in the previous season.
Relations did not work out not only with Tottenham's head coach, but also with the club president, Daniel Levy. “I asked him to be frank with me. That is all. Nothing more – just frankness. But the president could not fulfill this request. That depressed me even more.”
At home they could not help but notice that Rebrov was not himself. In Ukraine, there were many versions about the decline in Sergei's level of play. Among them was the suggestion that the cause was his wedding. “This is, to say the least, stupid,” the forward himself comments. “Many people get married. I love my family and cannot live without my wife. To say that I play badly because I changed my marital status is simply absurd!”
Before moving to England, the forward scored 103 goals in 208 matches in the Ukrainian championship. But despite his considerable goal-scoring record, during negotiations with David Pleat, who was coaching Tottenham at the time, Rebrov said he was not a goalscorer. “I am not Shevchenko, who hits the net in almost every match,” I warned Pleat. “I like to organize attacks and provide assists. Of course, I score, but if you need a striker who will definitely score 20 goals a season – that is not Sergei Rebrov. Pleat replied that there was no problem and he still wanted to see me in the team...”
After Pleat was dismissed, Hoddle came, and Rebrov was faced with a move to Turkey. “This was not the worst time in my career. In Fenerbahçe, by the way, I started to be used as a right midfielder. That was not my decision, although I cannot say it was a mistake.”
Now Rebrov is back in England. Although he does not play in the Premier League, Sergei is pleased with the situation. “I am happy that West Ham invited me,” the forward admits. “Here, for the first time in many years, I finally understand what the coach wants from me. Alan Pardew knows that I need a little time to adapt to a new team, and he is ready to wait. I like that very much. I am trying to quickly forget the unsuccessful spell with Tottenham, and I hope to play in the Premier League again, returning there with West Ham. I am also very encouraged by the trust of the head coach of the Ukraine national team. I look forward to playing in tandem with Andriy again. I am proud of him, because Sheva is my close friend!”
As already mentioned above, after the publication of this material, Rebrov had to focus exclusively on club matters, because the national team turned him down. But even at West Ham, Sergei cannot boast of a large amount of playing time, which again – as during his time in the Tottenham camp – gave rise to various rumors and speculation about an impending change of scenery.
Shandor Varga, the footballer's agent, claims that the option of Rebrov returning to Ukraine should not be ruled out. And in the English press there even appeared an article with the unambiguous title “Rebrov Raises a Revolt,” in which our compatriot accused West Ham coach Alan Pardew of failing to fulfill guarantees regarding a place in the starting lineup and stated that he was tired of warming the bench.
“Do not ask me why I am not playing,” says the former Ukraine national team striker. “Ask the coach about that. I was promised I would play, but they prefer others. The team has four forwards. Besides me, there are Harewood, Sheringham, and Zamora. But I do not see any rotation happening among us. I am not a boy anymore. Something has to be done about this.” Apparently, the 30-year-old forward will have to find himself a new club once again. Unless, of course, he wants to end his career in such a way – tired of failures.
Varga says (and he can be believed) that Rebrov is very upset because he is not playing. There are already options for possible employment, but no one has yet taken concrete steps toward changing teams. Sergei's contract with the Hammers (as West Ham is also nicknamed) is concluded on a “1+3” scheme, that is, it is extended for three years provided the team gains promotion to the Premier League.
In January, the transfer window opened in European football. Many players are looking for employment options, and almost all clubs are seeking players who can strengthen their game. Shandor Varga believes that Rebrov has no reason to stay in England: “If a club change happens, it will definitely not be an English team. We will choose any country where you can play technical football. After all, England is not for him.” It is interesting – where were Rebrov and his agent when they were stubbornly, with persistence worthy of better use, making the decision to stay in Foggy Albion?
It is possible that Russian clubs could take advantage of Sergei's services. Our eastern neighbors have enough money to buy out Rebrov's contract from the English. But German teams, known for their stinginess and prudence, are unlikely to offer West Ham adequate compensation for the Ukrainian forward. Although a loan deal is not ruled out – along the lines of Fenerbahçe, which reached an agreement with Tottenham two years ago. However, time will tell.