Andriy Shevchenko: «I am used to doing unquestioningly what the coach tells me»

«The main one,» this is how Oliver Birhoff says about him. And Birhoff has a brain.

«Perfect,» stresses his former coach Valery Lobanovsky.

«Fine,» affirm Gagliani and Braida, general manager and sports director of Milan, respectively.

There is a rare unanimity in the appraisals of a young forward. Andriy Shevchenko came to Italy with no fear at all: those who had come before him to series A from ex-USSR countries, as a rule, left Italy disappointed or having disappointed the hosts, but this iron boy fears nothing. To play for Milan in a Berlusconi Cup game versus Juventus, he even personally asked the Ukrainian federation not to invite him to the national team for a friendly match against Bulgaria. Birhoff says: «Andriy has an incredible motivation. He goes to a training session even if he feels bad, and both doctors and coaches have to restrain him. I think if Shevchenko had his way, he would train 24 hours a day.» Work, work, and play only well or excellently: this is what Andriy thinks about all the time. He doesn't know how to stop and rest.

«Andriy, did you know in advance that the Berlusconi Trophy victory brings along failure in the national championship?» (According to an Italian «tradition,» the team that wins this pre-season Cup is sure to lose the scudetto . Milan lost to Juventus in the present Cup —Ed. ).

«I do not believe such things. And, in general, I do not understand in what way this victory can have a negative effect. Of all traditions, only one is important for me personally: my team has to win on the pitch.»

«And what can you say about Milan's line of attack?»

«We've been working together for a very short time. I can say that we are only getting to know each other. But the first signs of a certain mutual understanding can be expected in the nearest future.»

«Birhoff said that Shevchenko is an ideal partner for him.»

«Birhoff is a great player, I am very glad I match him and can be of use.»

«Whose line of attack do you think is the strongest in the Italian championship?»

«All I can say in this connection is that all the clubs contesting the scudetto undoubtedly have very strong forwards. And Milan is no exception here. There are many of us in the team, and we are all different: the coach has quite a wide choice.»

«Wide choice and tough competition, isn't it?»

«Nothing to fear. This is a team. I am ready not only to compete but also to look for an approach to my attack partners both on and off the pitch.»

«Last season almost all clubs in Italy tried to play with three forwards, and Fiorentina already proposes three forwards and one libero. Do you think this pattern is viable?»

«Any pattern is viable, the point is players should be able to put it into practice. Soccer is a very dynamic game, and a forward should not keep to a certain spot ahead, waiting for a goal-getting pass. A forward has to also work in defense, while a fullback has to attack.»

«Are you scared by the fans' and the Milan management's expectations, both of which look to you to score goals virtually in every match?»

«Nothing scares me at all; fear is a negative sensation. I know that everybody in Milan expects immediate success from me, but Lobanovsky taught me long ago to do only what my team needs and the coach demands. I have only one objective here: Milan should win. And since this also depends on me and on my contribution, I will do all I can to make us win the scudetto. »

«I have never seen such a fatalist who would run so fast into his brilliant future...»