Darijo Srna (39 years old) is very active, he moves from one side of the room to the other until we sit down to do the interview. And while, he asks with the same vividness about whether Militao and Alaba will play, he wants to know if Mendy is in shape … He is perfectly aware of the news of Madrid in his new role as sports director after being a legend in Shakhtar himself, but also with Croatia.
Do you get used to the suit?
I handle it well. I know that many players have problems when they leave it, that they do not know what to do. But I have played 17 years here plus one at Cagliari. I spent a little vacation and then I had a stage as assistant coach. And then I received the proposal to be a sports director …
Did you get to train? Which path will you choose?
I am a soldier of the Shakhtar. I like to help. This is my club, my team, my family … Any role is good for me, but I like to be close to the team, yes, to contribute my experience …
What did you find in this club to stay so long without being from here?
I am a man who likes emotions, the project … feel good. Before coming, in 2003, the president promised me that he would build a great club, with great players, a great coach and a great stadium. And year after year it did. And we won the UEFA Cup. I have had no reason to change teams even though I had several offers from England, Italy or Spain …
Did Real Madrid call you?
Schuster called me.
Yes?
When I came to Shakhtar, he was the coach.
Of course…
He’s a great guy. He called the president or my agent, but finally there was no official offer. I wouldn’t have left. By then he was captain of the Shakhtar.
What kind of club is this?
The best in Eastern Europe. Sure. If you compare the last 15 years of Shakhtar with those of CSKA, Zenit… with any great club. Our system is different. Buy talented young people, many from Brazil, improve them and sell them to big clubs. It all started with Ajmetov.
How has President Ajmetov changed the club?
He is a special person. The Shakhtar is not his business, it is his family. It is the love of his heart… He could have bought any great club in Europe. But he wanted his love, his city, his country.
“Schuster called me when he was coach of Madrid”
Is the Brazilian influence a strategy?
Our goals are to win the Champions League, the League, the Cup and the Super Cup… And we started buying Brazilians in 2003: Matuzalen, Brandao, Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Adriano, Fernandinho, Fred…
He has them all in his head.
It is our strategy. Train them and, if a top offer arrives, consider selling them …
At what stage is Ukrainian football?
In 2013, before the outbreak of war, I was at the level of the French and German leagues… I was very strong. Shakhtar, Dinamo, Metalist, Dnipro… There were like five teams playing in Europe. When the war started the economic situation worsened. At least our president kept the spending level exactly the same. Salaries, bonuses, player purchases… Everything has remained the same.
Did you recommend De Zerbi?
I met him in Italy, but it was a consensual decision. It was our first, second and third option (laughs).
Why?
He plays incredible football for his style, tiqui-taca, and has Brazilian players to do it. Guardiola is a coach for teams like City, Bayern or Barça. De Zerbi is within our grasp, but the idea is the same. He is young, he is hungry, he is very ambitious … He had many offers and he chose us. I am sure that when he wins with us it will end in a big one. De Zerbi is at the level of Guardiola in his style and in his idea of the game.
How have you seen football change in your position as a winger in recent years?
Well now number 2 is number 8. And it is played without extremes. It’s hard to find really good left or right backs. I have high hopes for Dodó. It will end in a great club. He is young (20 years old), fast, very aggressive …
Are you following Madrid?
For my friend Luka, yes… And I really like Ancelotti.
“The Shakhtar is not Ajmetov’s business, it is his family.”
Do you know it?
We met once in London with a mutual friend for a drink. I like coaches who change leagues and face challenges. And for me Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in history. He won in Germany, England, Italy, France… Not many have done that. Mourinho? Guardiola? There are not many more …
What is your opinion of Marcelo and Carvajal?
Marcelo is the history of Madrid, he is not a winger, he is almost more of an 11 or even a 10. I have played against him two or three times with Croatia… I liked attacking and he also liked to attack, so perfect. Carvajal is more like Dodó, who has the ability to go both forward and backward.
How about Modric?
He has been my great friend for many years. I spoke to him yesterday. Everything Luka did in football … and he hasn’t changed as a person. The first thing to say about Luka is that he is a great guy, because on the pitch he has won the Ballon d’Or and four Champions League titles, he says it all. I adore him, I am proud to be his friend and to have played so much together with Croatia.
How is that conversation between you two days before a match like this?
One in which there is no talk of the game! (Laughs) Knows? We are talking about the Sheriff. Well, and a bit of the national team, of life …
He’s on his way to retirement at 37 or 38, just like you. Is there a secret Croatian gene?
Modric is intelligent and professional, he can play as long as he wants. I was able to continue playing, I had offers in Italy. It is important to know the correct time to withdraw.
What game do you expect?
We will play our game, with our style, we will not change anything. We want to play football, have possession and show ourselves. For that we play the Champions League.