Still every time he proves his competitive ability and preserves his status of the first team regular.
- In previous years Dynamo were getting ready for euro cups performances in winter. Was it unusual to realize that you’re in for only domestic competitions this season?
- In previous years we had to accelerate the training process to be ready for euro cups. This time we could get ready for domestic competitions according to the plan and play more friendlies at our training camps.
- Do you believe you can still fight for the UPL title this season?
- As far as we’ve tumbled out of euro cups, we must focus on the UPL and Ukrainian Cup. We’ll do our best to make intrigue live till the end of the season.
- Could the Champions League group stage end differently for Dynamo?
- Sure. This season individual mistakes influenced our performances, besides we were unlucky sometimes.
- Specialists used to say Dynamo totally could get out of such group. Didn’t that make you relax?
- Nobody cares what specialists say. One gains result on the field, not in newspapers.
- Where did Dynamo lose points that turned out to be decisive?
- I can name the home fixture against Napoli. We lost though we opened the score. Those are also two games against Benfica. We could totally count on positive outcome both times.
- Were games against Benfica special to you, considering that you’re Portuguese?
- It was just nice to face my compatriots. Some of them are my national team partners. As for outcome of those games, unfortunately it’s not what Ukrainian fans expected. Last year we did better opposing Porto (smiling).
- Dynamo youth teams players join the first team more and more frequently. Do you think they have skills for that?
- If they hadn’t, coaches wouldn’t have spotted them. Anyway, to become the first team regulars they must work a lot and make headway. Experienced players will help them.
- You used to astonish fans with shots from distance that resulted in goals sometimes, like your incredible goal against Everton. How come you don’t score like that any more?
- I’ve already scored one goal this season, which is totally enough for defender. I’m not a forward! Besides, this season I have less game practice, comparing with the previous one.
Read full version of this interview in FC Dynamo Kyiv magazine new issue (#1 (90)
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