Gabriel Escinha: “I realized that I came to a big club”

Our team's defender Gabriel Eskinha on adaptation and assessment of his performance in the fall part:

-In general, the adaptation went well. The team accepted me well, respected me, so it was easy and pleasant to join Zorya. Literally everyone helped me with everything.

Of course, first of all, I communicate more with the coach Mladen Bartulovic, with Bashić, Michin, Trontelj. But the other guys are always happy to help.

Every day, some of the players and I go for coffee at a coffee shop near the base and talk. I think it makes us stronger, closer to each other. Besides, drinking coffee in a coffee shop is a kind of vibe (smiles).

-You didn't play at first, but a little later you managed to get a place in the starting lineup.
-It was difficult for a while. I realized that I came to a big club that always takes the highest places and sets the highest goals. I also realized that there would be competition. So I was ready then and I am ready to work now.

The coaching staff believed in me and I will do my best to meet their expectations.

-Tell us about the period of your life in Ukraine.
-The situation in Ukraine is difficult now. There is a war going on. At first it was difficult - there is often no electricity, we can't go out after 11 pm. It is not easy for Europeans who are used to living differently.

But at the same time, it gives us the opportunity to communicate more with each other, to progress more.

-What do you think about the rest of the season?
-If we had more luck somewhere, maybe we could have been in the top five by now. But this is football. If we continue to work like this, we will definitely be able to be higher in the standings.

-How is your vacation going?
-It's always good to rest. But I also try to keep fit. I'm going back to work soon, so I'm looking forward to some serious work in Turkey.

At the end of the interview, I want to say that I'm very grateful to the club and the management for allowing me to play at this level, believing in me, and allowing me to progress. I am sure we can achieve a good result together.