Important stage in Austria

- Last week was De Zerbi’s first one at Shakhtar, and now we are starting the overseas training camp together. Three weeks in Austria is a very important and responsible stage that will allow us to better understand the coach's ideas. We’ll try our best to fully prepare for the competitive games as we definitely want to become champions this season.

- Have you approached your optimum form over a week of training?

- Substantially. Fortunately, that’s quite easy for me. The full-back role allows me to quickly regain fitness, moreover, the training was intense.

- What has changed in the training process after the arrival of the new coaching staff?

- It’s difficult to compare one coach with another ... In any case, we have already started to improve the physical aspect and have done a lot of exercises with the ball. De Zerbi is gradually implementing his idea of play, at least the foundation has been laid. Little by little, we begin to understand the coach’s principles, and after the training camp we’ll learn even more.

- Did you know the team newcomers Marlon and Pedrinho? Do you help them to pick things up in the team?

- I didn't know Marlon personally, but I saw him play. With Pedrinho we played together in the Brazil Olympic team. They are Brazilians, they will definitely adapt. Marlon speaks French and Italian, he learns quickly.

- Please share your expectations for the training camp in Austria. What are your personal goals?

- My goals are the goals of the team. To get even better, because I primarily want to benefit Shakhtar. Things weren't that good last year. That season was a lesson for us and made it clear that we need to work hard. Past failures have given me much thought. Now I’ve got a great desire to win, so that this season turns out differently, but first we need to conduct a good training camp.

- The preparation in Austria will last as long as 18 days. Are you ready for such a long training camp?