Tornike Okriashvili, midfielder of Georgian national team and “Illichivets” Mariupol, told “Sport-Express V Ukraine” that he recovered from thigh injury and characterized Temur Ketsbaia as a balanced specialist. 

- How do you feel?

- Everything is good. I have been practicing with the team for three days. I am preparing for the match in Uzhhorod.

- Have you missed the meeting of the youth team because of thigh injury?

- Yes, I have. I have missed a match in the national team because of disqualification and in the youth team because of micro injury.

- Have you watched the matches of the teams?

- Of course. The national team lost to France 1:3. The youth team beat Albania and Malaysia, played draw with Azerbaijan.

- Where do you feel comfortable – in the national team or in the youth one?

- Considering that I have been playing for the youth team since the age of 17 – answer is obvious. I must confess it is more interesting in the national team.

- What are the chances of the national team in the qualifying round of World Cup 2014?

- We are in one of the strongest groups. Spain and France are grands. Our goal is to take the third place in the group.

- Does Temur Ketsbaia lose control easily?

- He is quite balanced specialist. The coach demands to play not for ourselves but for the team. He does not have leader and favorite football players. The result of the team is the most important. 

- Kenia, Kankava, Kobakhidze, Targamadze… Do they answer the level of their clubs in Ukraine?

- I think they deserve to play for better clubs. In any case, I want so.

- What was difficult when you moved to Ukraine?

- It was difficult to get used to new environment. At first, I missed my parents and friends. I was greeted in the team well. Besides, I know Russian language and it is great advantage. I did not feel myself as a stranger.

- What is the difference between Ukrainians and Georgians?

- We are orthodox and there is no radical difference. However, mentality is different.

- Is it difficult for the Ukrainians to live in Georgia or the Georgians to live in Ukraine?

- It is difficult for the Ukrainians. For of all, because of the language barrier. Many Ukrainians do not know about Georgian traditions and mentality.

- Do you have qualities of leader?

- Perhaps, I am too emotional.

- Is Jaba Kankava, captain of the Georgian team, less emotional?

- I cannot say so. Jaba is quite experienced.

- Why do you often talk to referees while matches?

- I do not know. It is because of my emotions. Of course, I often regret it after the matches. I know that referee does not change his decision after the whistle but I argue with him and try to prove something.

Lasha Tabagari