- You joined Dynamo one year ago. How soon did you hope to become main squad player?
- I realized that I wouldn’t play much at once. At first my aim was to be on players’ list, then – to make substitute appearances.
- Was the period of adaptation difficult for you?
- Not really. I found common ground with Ukrainians at once. Maxym Koval helped me a lot. I’ve got used to everything.
- Eventually it took you only two month to start playing.
- I was lucky as some players picked up injuries, were suspended etc.
- You get red cards rather often. What is the main reason for that?
- I got the first red card for rough tackle against FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk player Boateng. After the game I watched this episode and it looked really tough.
- Did you ever provoke opponents or take dives?
- I don’t like other performers acting this way and I don’t do that myself.
- You are often being compared with Denys Harmash. You even have similar problems: unnecessary bookings.
- That’s right.
- They say that two performers of the same type can’t feature together.
- I’d like to play together with Denys. We’ll see what happens.
- How come that you scored Dynamo only goal against FC Chornomorets Odesa, but after that you didn’t play for a month and a half?
- Oleh Blokhin was trying to save me from criticism.
- Did he give players hairdryer treatment after defeat against Chornomorets?
- Sure, that happens after any failure. Everyone understands what team we perform for.
- How has you play changed over the last year?
- I guess I’ve started playing for defense more. I’ve also improved my physical conditions. Working alongside such performers as Veloso or Belhanda is very useful.
- What are you still to work on?
- I think I lack composure sometimes.
- Do you agree that Dynamo Europa League group stage opponents are not toughies?
- I guess our opponents were of the same level. They don’t perform too defensively and try to demonstrate their play.
- What can you tell about your first day in Ukraine national team camp?
- I was just looking around.
- Did you realize that you had few chances to feature against France?
- I did. It was a kind of trial call-up for me. Everything is good in its season.
* photo by V. Rasner
