A happy moment in my career
Thursday, November 9, 2017
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The best player of October told us about the recognition of fans, his first Champions League goals and his progress at Shakhtar
- In the recent few weeks we had a busy schedule, with many important and challenging matches. All the lads got tired, it's great that the break occurred – we can take a little breath. Thanks to the coach for giving us as many as three days off. I try to use such moments as effectively as possible to approach the training sessions being fresh, vigorous and rested.
- The fans recognised you as the best in October. What was your reaction to the news?
- I’m very happy at the moment! Shakhtar have gathered some top players, and when you become the best, you experience some special feelings. I’m happy to have been recognized as the Player of October by the fans. I want to say thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. You continuously motivate me to continue working and give my all on the pitch.
- What’s Shakhtar's best game in October?
- It's hard to say that at once, but the most memorable was our meeting with Feyenoord. We needed to win in order to continue competing for the Champions League knockout stage berth. The meeting was a bit dramatic: we gave one away in the opening minutes, then equalized and eventually clinched the win. I'm not saying that our performance was perfect, – the outcome is important.
- You scored your first Champions League goals against Feyenoord. Did the emotions overwhelm you back then?
- That evening was special for me. We realized what kind of opponents we were to be facing, we knew that the match would be difficult. Feyenoord put pressure on us from the off. But we took great advantage of our chances. Therefore, I will long remember the meeting with Feyenoord. I will be telling my kids about this victory.
- In the current season you’ve notched five goals. Which one do you consider the most important for the moment?
- The first one against Feyenoord. In my opinion, this is significant. Shakhtar were losing, and we really needed to score in order to regain confidence.
- What’s Shakhtar’s chance of making it to the Champions League knockout stages?
- We’ve got a great opportunity to advance to the next round of this prestigious tournament. The chances are very good: we need to earn only one point in two meetings. But everyone also understands that it will be very difficult to claim this point, because Napoli and Manchester City rank among Europe’s top sides.
- This season is going well for you. What helped you fulfil your potential at Shakhtar, according to you?
- My self-confidence and Paulo Fonseca’s trust. The head coach constantly gives me a chance to prove myself, with match practice being crucial for a player. I lacked that previously. I want to return the investments that the club spent on me. Right, currently I’m experiencing a happy moment in my career. I hope that I will continue to progress, help the team and make the fans happy.
- The fans recognised you as the best in October. What was your reaction to the news?
- I’m very happy at the moment! Shakhtar have gathered some top players, and when you become the best, you experience some special feelings. I’m happy to have been recognized as the Player of October by the fans. I want to say thank you so much to everyone who voted for me. You continuously motivate me to continue working and give my all on the pitch.
- What’s Shakhtar's best game in October?
- It's hard to say that at once, but the most memorable was our meeting with Feyenoord. We needed to win in order to continue competing for the Champions League knockout stage berth. The meeting was a bit dramatic: we gave one away in the opening minutes, then equalized and eventually clinched the win. I'm not saying that our performance was perfect, – the outcome is important.
- You scored your first Champions League goals against Feyenoord. Did the emotions overwhelm you back then?
- That evening was special for me. We realized what kind of opponents we were to be facing, we knew that the match would be difficult. Feyenoord put pressure on us from the off. But we took great advantage of our chances. Therefore, I will long remember the meeting with Feyenoord. I will be telling my kids about this victory.
- In the current season you’ve notched five goals. Which one do you consider the most important for the moment?
- The first one against Feyenoord. In my opinion, this is significant. Shakhtar were losing, and we really needed to score in order to regain confidence.
- What’s Shakhtar’s chance of making it to the Champions League knockout stages?
- We’ve got a great opportunity to advance to the next round of this prestigious tournament. The chances are very good: we need to earn only one point in two meetings. But everyone also understands that it will be very difficult to claim this point, because Napoli and Manchester City rank among Europe’s top sides.
- This season is going well for you. What helped you fulfil your potential at Shakhtar, according to you?
- My self-confidence and Paulo Fonseca’s trust. The head coach constantly gives me a chance to prove myself, with match practice being crucial for a player. I lacked that previously. I want to return the investments that the club spent on me. Right, currently I’m experiencing a happy moment in my career. I hope that I will continue to progress, help the team and make the fans happy.