After flattering review of his play Yevhen became the first team regular instead of the left back Benoit Tremoulinas. Makarenko works effectively both for defense and attack.
- How do you feel being the first team regular?
- In Dynamo all 24 performers, who work under Oleh Blokhin, are first team regulars. One must earn the right to take the field in the starting lineup at every training session and in every game. No one is 100% sure that he has the place among first eleven. Every performer must aim for something and upgrade his skills.
- When did you get to know that you would take the field against FC Karpaty Lviv? Was it surprising for you?
- It was long-awaited moment for me. I’m Dynamo trainee, born and brought up in Kyiv, so it was my dream to feature for this club. It means a lot to me. I played in several friendlies and made substitute appearance against SC Tavria Simferopol, but the game against FC Karpaty Lviv was my first full-scale match. When Oleh Blokhin told me that I would be in the starting lineup I felt great responsibility. It was a chance I had to use. I did my best not to let the team down.
- In that game Dynamo made 34 attempts on goal. Have you ever seen such statistics?
- I don’t pay much attention to statistics. As far as I know 20 shots on target is a good result.
- Was it interesting to communicate with Lviv side head coach Olexandr Sevydov, considering the fact that you performed for FC Hoverla Uzhhorod under his guidance last season?
- We had several minutes before the game to talk. We had some topics for discussion as we worked together for one year.
- You played against Karpaty as left back. Is it your usual position in Oleh Blokhin’s team?
- Yes, it is. The only exception was the game against Tavria when I performed as midfielder. But after the training camp with Dynamo I play as left back. I’ve got used to that. It’s great that the head coach is satisfied with me. Still I must refine myself all the time.
- It seemed that at first you tried to act simply, but later gained confidence…
- When a player takes the field the first straight pass gives him confidence. Every game gives vital experience. Featuring against good opponents you also start playing better.
- What do you feel when you play at the NSC Olimpiyskyi?
- We have a good stadium and spectators create great atmosphere. I want to express special gratitude to ultras. We’ll try to gladden our fans with positive results.
- Who was the most difficult opponent on the left wing for you: Pashaev, Moroziuk of Fedotov?
- They all are high profile players. It means a lot that they perform for the UPL teams.
- How does Oleh Blokhin estimate your play? Does he tell anything during the break or after the game?
- After every match coaches point out our mistakes. As for me, I always try to improve my play. There are many important tactical peculiarities which must be observed. Defenders are to be very attentive. It’s necessary to work hard to act properly on the pitch.
- Does the head coach want you to help attacking players more?
- Wing-back must play that way nowadays. I must work both for defense and for attack.
- Is it difficult to do it if you play three games a week?
- It’s not easy, but if you want to play you’ll do your best in every game.
- Why don’t you take free kicks and corners?
- I think we haveperformers, who can do it better. I must still work on it.
- Which game was the most difficult for you?
- It’s difficult to define. The match against FC Karpaty Lviv was my first appearance among first eleven. Cup fixture against FC Metalurh Donetsk was tight. As we faced FC Vorskla Poltava Brown Ideye was sent off early in the second half. Games against FC Thun and FC Illichivets Mariupol also weren’t easy.
- As you played against FC Vorskla Poltava referee booked you for gamesmanship. Was it a fair decision?
- I can just say that I didn’t take a dive.
- What are your impressions of the Europa League fixture against FC Thun?
- Frankly speaking I had shivers running up and down my spine.
- What can you say about Dynamo players’ conditions? Have latest wins improved your mood?
- They have, but we mustn’t relax. We are to play many important games by the end of the year.
- Is it difficult to play several games a week?
- I’m ready to play for my native team every day (smiling). It’s a bit difficult, but we must demonstrate our best qualities on the pitch.
- What would you like to tell skeptics, who didn’t believe in you?
- They should support the team and cheer about wins together with us.
* photo by V. Rasner
