Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos (November 17, 1998, Taubaté, Brazil), better known as Dodo, attends AS hours before visiting the Bernabeu with the Shakhtar. One of the most promising full-backs in Brazilian football (he has been in all the lower categories with the canarinha) who is happy in Kiev but does not close the door to make the leap to a great. “You have to think about doing the present well in order to plan for the future,” he argues.
How are you living this experience in Ukraine?
It’s great to play for Shakhtar. We play high-level competitions and we have a great structure. The club offers us everything we need to develop as players. I feel completely adapted and very happy with the work that I have been doing.
You came to Donetsk three years ago, at 19, from Coritiba FC, how do you remember that change?
It was a very difficult decision. New country, leaving Brazil early … All this was thought of me and my family. We try to think and anticipate all the steps so that the decision is as correct as possible. Today I am sure I have made the best decision. As for the Shakhtar project, there were no doubts at any time. The club presented a great project.
Great defenses have come out of his team in Brazil: Rafinha, Adriano Correia, Miranda … what will be next?
Coritiba is a great source of stars. Big names were revealed at the club and I am very proud to have made my youth category there. I appreciate all the support I have received during my first steps in football. These footballers are mirrors that I have.
There are 13 Brazilians and 14 Ukrainians in the team, as well as an Israeli and a Burkinabe. How do they get along in the dressing room?
The conviviality and the atmosphere in the dressing room are fantastic. Not only among Brazilians, but with everyone in the group. I think all the positive energy in the dressing room makes us strong. My adaptation here was much easier due to the positive environment that I found.
“Vinicius, Rodrygo and Militao are having a great season”
They are a team with some veterans, but in which talented youngsters like Trubin, Marcos Antonio, Tete or you predominate. Is this an advantage or a disadvantage?
You have mentioned some great players. Players with enormous growth potential. I think that the advantage of our team is precisely the mix between experienced and young players. This exchange makes us strong. It gives vitality to the team and it also gives us a good run of matches in important moments. As one of these young players, I am happy to have experienced players by my side. I learn from everyone on a daily basis.
Last year they were able to beat Madrid both games in the group stage and you played both. How do you remember those victories?
It is victories like that that we carry with us forever. When you play against a team of the stature of Real Madrid, the margin of error has to be zero. They were games in which we had a high level of concentration and almost perfect tactical performances.
Can they win at the Bernabéu this year?
It is possible if we can maintain maximum concentration throughout the game. The first game gives us lessons for the return. We feel ready to play a great game.
Which Madrid player do you like the most? Are there any that you especially admire?
Real Madrid is a very strong team. Honestly, I can’t choose one player or the other. I see his team very strong, with players of the highest level in all positions. We will have to play a game with zero margin of error if we want to come out with a good result.
“De Zerbi’s work so far has been fantastic”
You have coincided with Vinicius, Rodrygo and Militao in the lower categories of the national team. Are you excited to face them?
They are players I know and we have already been together in a certain period in the Brazilian youth team. They are three athletes who have had a great season with the Real Madrid shirt.
They have changed coach Roberto De Zerbi. He is young, but has clear ideas and his teams play very well. What is it like to have him as a coach and what do you put the most emphasis on?
It has been fantastic to enjoy De Zerbi’s work so far. He is a very intelligent coach with clear ideas of what he wants from us, the players, on the field. On an individual level, I have learned a lot and I am sure that I am becoming a better player. Collectively we also feel totally attuned to your ideas of play.
Madrid have problems on the right side (Carvajal with injuries, Odriozola on loan) and there are many Brazilians here (Casemiro, Vinicius, Marcelo …) Can you imagine in white?
It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I am sure that all athletes dream of one day playing for Real Madrid. I am happy at Shakhtar and I plan to have a great season at the club. I think you have to think about doing the present well in order to plan for the future.
He has gone with the U-17, the U-20 and the U-23 of Brazil. When will the jump with the absolute?
It is a dream and a goal in my life. Defending the Brazilian team is something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. In everything that I see myself in the future, without a doubt representing my country is one of them. I will continue to work hard every day to make that dream come true. There is a lot of competition and only good preparation will make me qualify. I have to focus on my work at the club to get it one day.