Alex Teixeira: "Chances of overcoming Borussia are high."

Shakhtar’s Brazilian midfielder gave an interview to UEFA. Below is its full version.

- Alex, could you tell us about preparation for the second half of the season?

- I think that everything was fine. Friendly matches were followed by training sessions. Everything went well. We are preparing for a serious match in the Champions League.

- In the Ukrainian League Shakhtar have claimed 17 wins in 18 games, which is impressive. Do you think that there is still room for improvement?

- There is always something to strive for. We train hard every day and want to raise our level. I think the team will continue improving significantly.

- What can you say about Shakhtar’s performance in the Champions League?

- In my opinion, we had a good season, including games with several European giants, such as Chelsea and Juventus. I think that Shakhtar’s chances of overcoming Borussia are high.

- What impressed you at the group stage? What were the main difficulties Shakhtar encountered at this phase?

- I think we played good games. Shakhtar are a very skillful team, we have good players, and not only Brazilians, but also Ukrainians. The biggest difficulty had to do with crosses. We have little difficulties regarding this component, and we have to improve it.

- How would you describe Taison, one of your Brazilian team-mates?

- A great player. He largely helps Shakhtar, a fast, pacey footballer. I think he was pleased with his game here. Taison will be useful for Shakhtar in the championship.

- Fernandinho said that he would help you adapt at the club. How was this stage?

- Three years have passed since my arrival at Shakhtar, and when I joined the team, all the guys helped me, especially Fernandinho. I believe that my adaptation was fast, but I had some difficulties in the beginning because of injuries. I hope to play for Shakhtar for some period of time.

- Alex, how have you been developing in football terms and as a person since moving to Shakhtar?

- I think I have developed significantly here. At Shakhtar, I have learned some things that I was unable to do in Brazil, be it language or a more compact game. As for the latter, it is easier to mark the opponent. I have definitely grown at Shakhtar.

- Could you name players who were your role models? Who really inspired you from a professional point of view?

- I think it was Romario. When he played for Vasco da Gama, he developed me as a professional and I am very grateful to him. But there are other great players: Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo... But Romario was the one who inspired me most.

- What do you like most in Donetsk?

- This is a nice, quiet city. There are various things one can do here. You can spend your free time with your family, go shopping or dancing... In Donetsk, there a lot of interesting things.

- What is the city like on match days? Or the day before a game?

- Donetsk loves football very much. Whenever Shakhtar play, the stadium is packed! This is impressive; something that you don’t always see in Brazil.

- After the victory over CSKA you said you would like the team to operate a little faster. Will it be important in the game with Borussia?

- Yes, of course. We are still preparing, a little tired, but we will go into games with Dortmund in the best shape. And, of course, these will be great matches.

- Does the fact that Shakhtar have met with such clubs as Chelsea and Juventus, at the group stages, give you more experience for the upcoming matches?

- Certainly. I think these are two top teams. Shakhtar played well, we managed to win. It inspires us to beat Borussia as well.

- How far can Shakhtar go in this competition?

- We can win it. With a team like we have, we can reach the final and win. We will fight. That is our goal.

- In the spring there will be the final stage of the UEFA Futsal Cup. In your opinion, what makes this sport so emotional?

- Futsal has helped me a lot. Short dribbling, passing, overlapping... This type of football is gaining popularity!

- When did you start playing indoor football?

- From 7 to 11 years-old. I played indoor football and outdoor football at the same time. There was one season when the coach made me choose between the two sports. I opted for football, but I also liked to play indoor football. One in the morning and another in the afternoon.

- This is a very popular sport among Brazilian youth...

- Yes. I think for Brazil it is really a very important game.

- Does it help in terms of technique in a big game?

- Of course. I learned everything thanks to indoor football. I learned a lot over three-four years and now I am showing it on the field. On the football field.

FC Shakhtar
Press Office