We met Yevhen before the Yellow-Blues friendly against Cyprus and asked him about experience he’s getting in Greece.
- Yevhen, did you expect you would be called up to the national team?
- In the depth of my heart I expected that. Two years is a long break. I lost my place in the national team because of injury. When I found out I was called up I was very emotional.
- Do you feel comfortable in Greece? What can you tell about Platanias?
- Platanias is a small resort town in Crete. We play our home matches in Chania. I feel comfortable there. The island is beautiful. Teammates, club direction and coaches helped me with adaptation. Still I think about the return home.
- Can you compare Greek and Ukrainian leagues?
- I think at the moment Greek league is of higher level. About six teams fight for euro cups positions.
- How is Andriy Tsurikov doing in Levadiakos FC?
- The team supports him, but he wants to have more game practice.
- What language does Platanias head coach speak?
- He speaks Greek and assistant coaches speak English. They explain players, who don’t speak Greek, what he says.
- How come you play as centre back in Platanias though you used to be left back?
- Before I went to Greece my agent Olexandr Pankov told Platanias needed centre back. It wasn’t a problem for me as I played as centre back for Dynamo five or six times.
In Greece I played as left back only once. Coach was surprised to find out it used to be my position.
- What goals do Platanias FC have?
- I’ve never heard our task is to qualify for the Europa League. Club directors are satisfied we’re sixth-seventh in the league at the moment. Our play is based on ball control.
- Do you get more experience in Greece than you used to featuring for FC Metalist Kharkiv on loan last season?
- Sure, I get more experience in Greece. In Kharkiv the problem was that players didn’t get salaries and they were focused on that first of all.
- What aims do you have in the national team?
- I’m sure every player wants to go to Euro-2016. I want to take the field and prove coaches can count on me.
- What about your horizons in Dynamo? Do you keep in touch with Serhiy Rebrov?
- I haven’t talked to him yet. After the season in Greece finishes I’ll come to Kyiv to discuss my horizons with Serhiy Rebrov and Ihor Surkis.
Interview – Ihor Bondarenko
Photo – Andriy Kutsan
Copyright © 2016 FC Dynamo Kyiv
