Guilherme: We are Football Players, and we should Think about the Game

On Wednesday, 23 March, National Team of Russia had the first training session within the frames of preparation for friendly matches against Lithuania and France. The new player of the team – goalkeeper Guilerme – replied to the questions of media.

-How do you like it in the National Team of Russia?

- Good atmosphere, excellent spirit. Everything is ideal just like it has to be in the national team!

- How did you work with Kritsyuk?

- Normal. Good guy. We can also chat in Portuguese to each other. But, of course, we communicate in Russian.

- After Sergey Ovchinnikov you are the first Lokomotiv goalkeeper who was invited to the National Team of Russia. Did you have any talks about Loko?

- Yes, but mostly we spoke about national team. We know each other for a long time. When I arrived to Loko he worked individually with me a lot, helped me to adapt in Russia. He helped me a lot then! Now he welcomed me warmly, and we had a good talk.

- Do you have any anxiety related to travelling to France due to the latest events in Brussels?

- No. We are football players and we should think about the game. I believe that everything will be safe. No fear.

- Tarasov often says that foreigners, including you, should not be playing for the national team. What did he tell you now?

- He congratulated me. And I asked him: “What happened? You have been against my playing for the national team!” It is a joke of course. Everything is fine. I realize that patriotism exists. But I have been for a long time here. And I can consider myself as Russian. I am one hundred percent sure that decision to play for Russia was not a mistake. I am quite confident about this.

- What is the difference between the system of goalkeeper coaching in Brazil and in Russia?

- Frankly speaking, I don’t remember. I was nine years ago in Brazil, and I am one hundred percent sure that a lot has changed there.

- You are the only one today who was training in shorts, and not long pants. Aren’t you afraid of frosts?

- I got used to that. And I am really not afraid of frosts!