- Jeremain, what are your impressions of the training camp? Do you already feel tired?
- It’s fine as it is very important for us to recondition by the second half of the season. We have two training sessions a day or play sparrings after morning practice, but that’s not a problem for me. It’s not that hard. I’ve had more difficult preseason work, for example under the charge of Oleh Blokhin.
- Isn’t it difficult to demonstrate good play in friendlies after morning training sessions?
- That’s normal as we play for only 45 minutes, so each sparring is like a second training session. Friendlies let us work on different game situations.
- Today almost all Dynamo players work both for attack and defense. Are you okay with that?
- That’s absolutely okay for me to help defenders. Of course goals and assists are top priority for attacking players, but we must also benefit the team working for defense when necessary.
- Speaking about goals, you’ve already netted as many goals in the UPL and Ukrainian Cup as you did last season…
- I have. Last year I scored five goals in the UPL and two in the Europa League in the first half of the season, but after winter break I didn’t hit the target. Thus I demonstrate same results so far. Still I feel that my conditions are better this season, besides Dynamo play has changed for better. We are Ukrainian league leaders and atmosphere in the team is great. We all believe that we can win the domestic title this year.
- What do you think of Dynamo horizons if the Europa League?
- I think we must focus on each game in particular and move gradually. One shouldn’t think about final right now. Our next opponent EA Guingamp are good team, but we can outplay them.
- Who are the Europa League favourites this season in your opinion?
- I think many teams can be called favourites. Very good clubs have tumbled out of the Champions League and joined the Europa League.
- How was your winter vacation?
- It was great. I was in Miami and Suriname. I know that my teammates have also had good rest.
- How often do you watch football on TV?
- Of course I don’t miss interesting matches, but sometimes one should think about something else. I’m not focused on football 24/7.
- How do you spend free time in Ukraine?
- I really like riding a motorcycle, but my bike isn’t in Ukraine. Mostly I spend time with my family. There’s stuff to do in Kyiv. We can go bowling, carting etc.
- You design children’s apparel. Why do you like that?
- I’ve always been fond of good clothing and now I want my daughters to look fancy. At first I just bought clothes for them, but then I decided to share my design ideas. That’s how I came up with fashion line.
- Who helps you with that considering that you have little spare time?
- I have a business partner, who’s a good friend of mine.
- What kind of music do you prefer?
- I like different styles, but usually I prefer Dutch music as best DJs of the world come from the Netherlands.
- You like tattoos. How many of them do you have?
- (laughing) A lot! I’ve lost count.
Ihor Bondarenko from Marbella
* photos by A. Lukatskyi
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