Rafael Bandeira: Vernydub is building a special connection between the coach and the team in "Kryvbas"

The Portuguese defender of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" Rafael Bandeira gave a long interview to the online publication Ukrainian Football. For your attention, the most relevant moments of the conversation.

- Rafa, you were born in the town of Almada in Portugal. Tell us what is interesting about your city?

- Almada is a small, very beautiful city of 100 people. There are many beaches and recreation areas where you can relax. Many famous football players were born in Almada. For example, Luis Figo or Rafael Leao.

- Remember who first took you to football? What started it all?

- My whole family from my mother's side was somehow connected with football. My uncle was a professional football player, and my grandfather was also the director of one of the football clubs in Almada. It was my uncle and grandfather who took me to my first soccer practice. This is where my story began. I remember, as a child, I played as a striker, scored goals. But over time, the coaches saw that I look good in defense as well.

- Which of the world-class football players did you want to be like as a child?

- I don't think that my answer will surprise you, because I am Portuguese. Of course, as a child I wanted to be like Ronaldo. I think every kid in the world wants to be as successful as him, so it's definitely Ronaldo. 

- Remember how it turned out for you «Kryvbas»?

- My contract with "Akademiku Viseu" was coming to an end and the Ukrainian agent offered me to transfer to "Kryvbas". To be honest, there were other proposals that I would not like to discuss now. But after I learned a little more about Kryvyi Rih, I decided to try my hand at Kryvyi Rih. 

Yes, I was a little worried before coming here. However, when I joined the team, I realized that this is a really determined Club with which you can achieve success and develop. 

- What was the first thing that came to mind when you arrived in Ukraine?

- I was supported by an agent who gave Ilyich's contact. It was Hrvoye who told me a lot of good things about "Kryvbas" and about the excellent conditions here. About the fact that you can play football here, and the club does everything to keep the team safe. And I decided to come. 

- What language do you use to communicate with your partners? «Kryvbas»?

- It's English, French. I can say a few words in Ukrainian, but I communicate best with my partners in French. By the way, I speak 5 languages ​​- Spanish, French, Italian, English and Portuguese. 

- Legionnaires «Kryvbas» they say that Yuriy Vernydub is for them - second father What topics can you talk to him about?

- For me, he is also like a second father. Yuriy Vernydub is the best coach for me, that's no exaggeration. It is he who builds this communication between us in Kryvbas, this special connection between the coach and the team, between the coach and the player. For example, when we play and I make a mistake, he always comes up to me and says: "Look, it's a mistake, but it's okay, because then you'll be even better." It was he who gave me this self-confidence, which I did not have before. 

I feel that I have grown professionally thanks to him, he is very attentive to anyone. Also, for example, I had a moment when I had to go home three days earlier to see my daughter and family. I approached the coach, explained everything to him, and he went to meet him: he immediately let me go. So as a person he is incredible, as a coach - incredible too, with whom I have become much better in every sense. 

Press service of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rig for materials Ukrfootball.ua