Antoni Mascaro: Kryvbas U-19's progress in six months is primarily in discipline and competitiveness
Comments after the match of the 16th round of the UPL 2025\2026 UPL Youth Championship "Kryvbas" U-19 - "Kolos" U-19 - 1:1.
Antoni Mascaro, senior coach of FC "Kryvbas" U-19:
- I believe that the team has grown significantly over the past six months. I remember our first match against "Kolos" - they are a strong opponent, and then they beat us, were better than us. And today, in my opinion, we already looked stronger. We deserved to win, but this is football, in the end we only took one point. But overall I am very satisfied with today's game, and all the work we have done, and how the guys are progressing.
Our team's progress over the past six months is primarily in discipline and competitiveness. When we first arrived, we had young guys who were just playing football, not always understanding the global goal. They have added a lot in this component. The understanding of the game has also improved: from a tactical point of view, they are much better oriented on the field. And in individual aspects, each player has taken a step forward. If you add all this together, the team has seriously progressed.
I thanked the guys for this first part of the season, I really enjoyed working with them. I said that I would go home to rest with my family and wish them to do the same. For me today: the team deserved the victory, although we did not win it. But this is not the main thing. The most important thing for us and for the club is the progress and quality of the guys' play. And today they showed more than enough.
I think our players are going on vacation in a good mood, because we finished this part of the season with dignity. In the last matches, we lost only one match, so there are reasons to be positive. Now the guys have 10 days of rest, after which they will begin individual physical work. We have given some players the task of improving their English to improve communication. I will also learn Ukrainian and rest: it is important to refresh your mind, let your body recover and come back with new strength.
Tymur Butenko, midfielder of FC Kryvbas U-19:
- The team tried, gave all their strength, played to win. We really wanted to go on vacation with three points, I think everyone saw it. But, unfortunately, we only have a draw. Next year we need to work even harder, improve our interaction and continue to progress. I am sure we will succeed.
Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih