Antoni Mascaro: We are clearly moving towards individual development of U-19 players, and this is the main indicator for me
The head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas U-19, Antoni Mascaro, summed up the first half of the 2025\2026 season.
- How would you assess the first half of the season for the U-19 team?
- In general, I assess the first half of the season positively. The main task for the coaching staff and the Club was the individual development of the players, and we systematically worked on this. I see that the players have added significantly, although this process takes time. If we talk about the results, then in terms of the tournament we also performed better than we expected at the start: the team scored more points than predicted.
- Did we manage to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves at the start?
- In general, yes. We are clearly moving in the direction of the individual development of the players, and this is the main indicator for me. In the tournament aspect, the team was able to stabilize the results and gain confidence after a difficult start.
- What matches or moments were key in this half of the season?
- For me, the most important moments are not only matches, but also the training process. Training itself is a space where each player can express themselves, develop and improve. We pay maximum attention to this. If we talk about the difficult period in the championship, then after the sixth round we had only three points. It was a difficult moment when the team was fighting not to end up in last place. But winning one of the following matches gave us an important impulse and confidence.
- Which of the players has made the most progress in these six months?
- This is a very difficult question. I am convinced that all the players on the team are progressing. Each player has added in different components: some in tactics, some in physical training, some in mentality. Therefore, I do not want to single out one person, because many have made progress.
- What features of the team would you highlight as the main ones: character, style, discipline?
- When we arrived here, it was not easy: a new country, a language barrier, doubts about whether we would be able to implement our ideas. But gradually we were able to form a team with a clear style of play. Our style is playing with the ball away from the goalkeeper, aggressive pressing, quick return of the ball and the desire to attack. But without discipline, this is impossible. We often train twice a day, and without character and dedication, such football will not happen. Therefore, I would single out style and character as the key features of this team.
- What was the most difficult thing in preparing for the matches this half-year?
- Without a doubt, the language. This is the biggest barrier. Yes, the coaching staff helps a lot, but it is still difficult. Another problem is the difference in football culture. Ukrainian football and Spanish football are different, and we had to adapt. However, even under these conditions, we were able to teach the players new approaches to training and understanding the game.
- What did this period teach you as a coach?
- I came here at a difficult time, to a country where there is a war. Ukrainian people taught me to stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Even in difficult conditions, they go to training, work and find the strength to enjoy the process. This has had a huge impact on me. Professionally, I have become a better coach: I have learned to better control the game, transition phases, and have adapted to the style of the league.
- How do you assess the interaction between the U-19 and the first team and the Academy?
- Very positively. Personally, I am very grateful to Patrick van Leeuwen and Ori David - they helped us a lot with understanding the game and adapting ideas. We live nearby, see the first team training, and constantly communicate. The U-19 players are regularly involved in training with the base, and this is very important for their development.
- What will you put the most emphasis on in the off-season?
- First of all, rest after six months of hard work. I plan to spend time with my family in Mallorca. In parallel, analysis. Watching our matches, the games of other teams in the league, finding tactical solutions, working on mistakes and preparing for winter training.
- Should we expect changes in the squad or player rotation?
- Certain changes are possible, but I would not like to talk about it publicly at the moment. We will still hold internal meetings with the management and then make a decision.
- Questions from subscribers. What was the most emotional moment for you in these months?
- The victory in the last minutes of the match against Karpaty. It was a very strong and emotional moment for the whole team.
- What personally gives you the greatest motivation to work with our team?
- This is a great opportunity for my development: a new country, a Club that invests in the Academy, and young players with great motivation and potential. Working with such players is a real pleasure.
- Why did you choose football for yourself? What do you like about it?
- I didn't choose football, football chose me. As a child, I dreamed of being a professional player, but I lacked certain qualities. Then I decided to become a coach. What I love most is the training process and competition. I am a very competitive person and I try to become better every day.
- What do you dream about?
- I don't dream so much - I work a lot. My goal is to coach a team in the Premier League one day. But at the same time, I enjoy my journey and the process of development.
- Your favorite football player?
- For me, Messi is the best player in history. As a child, my idols were Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Zidane. Of the modern players, I really like Pedri: for his ease of play and football intelligence.
- What are you interested in besides football?
- I have an economic education and am very interested in economics. I also like different sports: padel, tennis, basketball, running, gym. In addition, I read a lot about entrepreneurship, leadership and people management.
- Do you like Kryvyi Rih?
- It is difficult to compare Kryvyi Rih with my native Mallorca, but I feel comfortable here. I spend most of my time at the base, working 12-13 hours a day. If we talk about the city, I like the center, walks, the opportunity to drink coffee and have a little rest.
Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih