“Kryvbas defender commented on the victory over Kudrovka”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
– Ivan, you finally returned to the field after a long pause due to injury. Share their emotions when he stepped on the lawn again.
– After the match, I was overwhelmed by crazy emotions. I missed all this very much: the atmosphere of the stadium, with the support of the fans. I sincerely thank everyone who was near me during this period. He constantly received positive messages on social networks, and it was this support that gave me the power to move on.
Special thanks to the coaching staff and the medical team. They did not just do their work, they were real psychologists who charged me with positive energy even at the most difficult times when I was on the bottom.
– Did you feel confident from the coaching staff, especially from Patrick Van Leuven – both during his return and in general?
– Yes, of course. Since his arrival, Patrick Van Leuven’s club has closely monitored my recovery and gave useful tips on returning to the field. This trust was very important to me.
– What helped you to maintain calm and motivation when you had to sit on the bench?
– It was important to remain part of the team, even when you did not go to the field. Participation in training with the first team, communicating with boys, their support – all this helped me stay. When I got to a match against Kudrovka, it became my first little victory on the way to a full return.
– Kryvbas ultras has a spectacular and loudly returned to home stands. Did the team feel this energy? How did it affect the game?
– For three seasons, I saw nothing like home. The whole team felt the stadium literally “came to life” thanks to the support of the ultras. It was a crazy energy that you do not confuse with anything. I very much hope that such an atmosphere will continue to be, not only at home, but also at visits. As you can see, the result was appropriate – 3: 1 victory.
– What condition are you in now – physically and mentally?
– Physically, athletes feel good only when playing. Now I gradually take shape, and my main priority is to work wisely, to avoid overloads and, most importantly, to prevent relapse. Psychologically, I feel confident. Returning to the game is the best therapy.
– Such difficult periods in your career always give some lessons. What did you take out for yourself from this pause?
– In life, not only in football, we face challenges. How we respond to them depends on each of us. I learned a lot during this period. The most important thing is that I became closer to a family with which I have not spent so much time with for a long time, and it was very valuable to me. I also gave my body rest. In almost four seasons, I spent more than 120 matches in the starting lineup, playing 90 minutes without interruption. This pause made it possible to restart.
– How did the team meet you after returning? Did you feel the support of partners?
– As I always said – Kryvbas family for me. Both the new guys and my former teammates such as Khomchenovsky and Vakulko, and, of course, my brothers – Sosa, PO, Bizimana, Cone – everyone supported me at every stage. The most impressed was that even the former coaching staff found time to write, to ask my condition, to cheer. It is very valuable.
– Even when you were out of the game, everyone paid attention to your style. Where do you get the inspiration from? And do you consider yourself the most stylish in the team?
– Thank you for your compliment. I just try to look neat and be an example. As you said correctly – you never know who looks at you, so you should always stay at the height, not only on the field, but also outside it.