Dynamo midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko gave an interview to vZbirna on the train on his way to the training camp of the Ukrainian national team.
- How did you find out about the call-up to the national team ?
- At first, my agent called me and said: "You might go to training". And in a couple of days I found out that I was going full-time. I was very happy, I immediately called my mother and relatives. Everyone is happy. It was my childhood dream, I'm very grateful to the coaches for the challenge and I still don't realise that it's not a dream. I will do everything to gain a foothold and represent my country with dignity on the international stage.
- Now you'll be teaming up with Sydorchuk again. Have you ever played together?
- No, we haven't.
- How well do you know each other?
- We know each other very well. When I first came to the training camp with Dynamo, he supported me and gave me advice. He is an experienced player who will always give me advice both in life and on the pitch. I treat him very well, I always listen to him and watch how he behaves both in everyday life and on the pitch.
- Stepanenko will not be able to play. What makes you better than him?
- (Laughs). I'm not better than him. I'm not going to say anything. Taras is a very important person on the pitch. I don't know him personally, but I've heard that he works hard on himself. He is a strong professional and team leader. I really want to meet him and talk to him.
- Do you have many friends in this team now?
- Yes, there are a few people from the youth team and my friends from Dynamo. We will meet the rest of the guys later. I really want to train and feel the atmosphere of the national team.
- What is your impression of Serhii Rebrov's team?
- Of course, I watched all the matches, and I really like the style of play and the way the guys work on the field.
- Have you already spoken to the coach?
- Well, yes... When he came to Dynamo's base, we had a few words.
- Did Oleksandr Shovkovskyi give any instructions before he left?
- No, he didn't. But when we were talking at the training camp, he said: "You're doing a good job. If you continue like this, maybe you will go to the national team". And so it happened.
- What is the most important thing for you as a holding midfielder?
- Calmness with and without the ball. Playing with the team, keeping the rhythm of the game.
- Who do you try to look up to?
- I really like Rodri from Manchester City. The way he works quickly with the ball and controls the pace.
- What number would you like in the national team?
- (Laughs). It doesn't make any difference. I'm just very happy to be here. I just have to work hard and that's all. Well, Taras Stepanenko is not here yet... Whatever they give me will be. This number is for the position.
- In the summer, the Olympic team will play in France ...
- Yes, before the Youth Euro we set a goal to reach the Olympics. Everything is going well. Now I hope that the clubs will agree with the association and we will go there. It will be the first time in the history of Ukraine.
- Would you like to play at both the Euros and the Olympics?
- If the coaches decide so, I'm all for it. I have enough strength, one hundred per cent.