Correspondent Sport.ua talked with Denis about the new stage of his career. Kostyshyn talked about his return to the USA, admitted why he left FC Drita and talked about his father’s advice.
– Congratulations on a new stage in your career. How did the option of returning to the US come about?
Thank you for the greetings. The variant with AK “Boise” arose sometime in late November or early December. My friend, Maksym Meleganych, who is a football agent in America, called and said: “There is such an offer.”
Nate Miller, who became the head coach of AK “Boise”, wanted to see me in this team. Back in the days when he worked as the head coach of San Diego and I played for El Paso Lokomotiv, he wanted to work together. And I was dying to play under Nate in San Diego. We talked a lot, but it so happened that that San Diego ceased to exist. Created a new San Diego team that started playing in the MLS.
Before the beginning of the story with AK “Boise”, Nate Miller worked as an assistant head coach of MLS, but accepted the offer of the club of the Third League of the USA. You understand what the level is here if a person led this team.
– I think many were surprised by your transfer to AK “Boise”. This club has just started writing its own history and will play in the third division. Why did you decide to take such a step, signing a contract with this club?
– Yes, I understand that this transition was unexpected for many. I also had some hesitations about this. You see, when I was shown the development project of the club… What is planned in this team: who are the founders, what is the project of the stadium, base, training fields. They showed where they will rent housing. Well, it’s just WOW. This is clearly not the third division of the USA – they just start from here. The conditions are simply incredible.
The fans did not yet know who would be the head coach of this team, they did not know what the composition of the team would be, but in two days they sold 7,500 season tickets. This is despite the fact that the stadium holds about 9-10 thousand people. If it was designed for 20, they would easily sell even more season tickets. In this state, AK “Boise” is the first team, and the fans love football very much.
The second aspect of the transition is the coach. I had more than one conversation with him. That, and the kind of football he wants to play, the way he treats me… The way he wanted to see me in his team – this makes itself felt. When you understand: how ambitious this team is, how it will develop, what is invested in this team, the coach who really wants to see you. This was the key.
– What role did Yevhen Konoplyanka and Roman Zozulya, whose client you are, play in this transition?
– Yes, I work with Yevhen and Roman, but this particular offer came from Maxim. I talked with Zheka, Roma and Max – we found a common language and came to a common decision. Everything turned out very well. I am very glad that this conversation turned out to be very easy and productive.
– Your departure from FC Drita was quite unexpected. Can you reveal some details now? Who was the initiator of such a decision?
– That’s how it happened. I joined Drita in the winter of 2025 and played almost every game in the spring part of the season. I was one of the players with the most goal actions that season for Drita.
After the vacation, we went to training sessions, but in the end, I did not get into the team’s application for the Champions League qualifying games and did not play much in the championship. It is still unclear to me!
I started talking about my departure, but they told me: “stay – there will still be a chance.” I ended up not playing. I believe that my departure is the right decision.
– You played quite a lot in the UPL. Was there no intention to return to the UPL? Maybe there were some offers or interest from some Ukrainian clubs?
– Of course, there is always a desire to return home, but the situation turned out to be such that when I broke the contract with Drita, I already knew that I would play for AK “Boise”. I have already made this decision. I have not had any conversations with other clubs.
– My opinion, AK “Boise” is a springboard for you. What goals do you set for yourself in the nearest football future?
– God forbid that it be a springboard. You know, AK “Boise” is like “Polissya”. When they started in the Second League of Ukraine, everyone already knew that this was an ambitious club. Kolos started in the Second League, but everyone knew that it would be an ambitious club. Metalist 1925, LNZ – they all started with something. So here too. AK “Boise” starts right here – this is a very strong team. My goals and future are connected with this team.
– How often do you talk to your father about your career? What does he mostly advise and to what extent is his word decisive in your final decision?
– I very often talk to my dad about football topics and topics related to my career. Whenever I receive an offer, I always ask for his recommendations. I listen to what he advises. These words play an important role for me. It was like that all my life.
After I stopped working with him as a coach, he became like a friend, like a father. It is now much easier for me to accept certain decisions. He is a person who has been in football for many years and understands much more than I do. His words are very important to me.
– Do you follow UPL? How would you rate a good season for Kolos now?
– I watch all UPL games. When it’s a weekend, you play two or three games a day and have a blast. The days pass so imperceptibly. I am very happy for dad. Happy to have him back at work. It’s nice to see what Colossus looks like now: that intensity, that pressing. I’m excited about how this team looks right now.
My dad is a very strong motivator. He always prepared the team well physically, but over time he became a strong tactician. Now he combines strong physical training and tactics. I like the football Colossus is showing now.
– What do you see as the failure of another of your former clubs – Alexandria, which is now an outsider of the UPL?
– Regarding Oleksandria, it is not my competence to speak for the team’s failure. This is a matter for the coaching staff and management. I respect this club and the people with whom I played and worked there.
Source: sport.ua