Young Dynamo defender Vladyslav Zakharchenko shared his emotions about working with the first team of the white-blues and talked about preparation for the upcoming Ukrainian Premier League match against Karpaty.
– Today Dynamo held a regular training session ahead of the Karpaty match. What were you working on and what was the team’s mood?
– We analyzed the last game against Olexandriya and went over some theory. Today’s training was more of an easing-in session after the break. Now we’ll study Karpaty’s games and prepare more thoroughly for them.
– It’s gotten colder in Kyiv. Are you ready for matches in colder less sunny conditions?
– Yes. I think weather doesn’t really affect playing football. Rain or snow, skill is what decides the game.
– In France, for example, the match Marseille – PSG was postponed due to heavy rain with only half a day’s notice. In Ukraine matches go on regardless of the weather. Is that a unique feature of the Ukrainian Premier League?
– Probably, yes. It’s a little special that matches aren’t canceled because of weather. But I believe it doesn’t really matter what the conditions are.
– You recently debuted for the first team in the game against Olexandriya, starting the match. What did this experience give you? How did you feel when you found out you would start? How long have you been working towards this?
– Well, you could say I’ve been working toward this my whole life. It’s great that coach trusted me to take the field in such a game. The team and coaching staff supported me and, of course, I enjoyed this experience.
– How would you assess your performance? Did you play well?
– I don’t know. I think it’s not my place to judge, that’s up to the coaches or someone else.
– Dynamo always has strong competition. A new player, Aliou Thiare, has joined your position. Has this motivated you to fight for a spot in the starting lineup?
– Of course. Competition is always good for players and the team because it drives progress. It’s also good for the coaching staff to have options, rotate players and not rely on the same people every match.
– You spent long training camp with the first team and now are with them full-time. How has the adaptation period been? How different is it from playing in the Under 19? Who helped you the most emotionally and psychologically?
– Everyone welcomed me well. We communicate normally and they’ve helped me throughout. Of course I still interact more with guys my own age, born between 2003 and 2006.
– Psychologically is it easier to play now after the summer camp? Or do the same emotions remain? How does it feel to be in Dynamo’s first team?
– Of course, it’s pleasant. This is what every footballer strives for: to grow and reach the first team. Especially at Dynamo Kyiv, the best team in Ukraine. Overall, it’s enjoyable to train and I like everything about it.
– You’ve debuted, so the first goal is achieved. What’s next?
– The next goal is to start playing regularly in the first team. Every player wants to be a starter, play in their position and contribute as much as possible to the team.
