Artem Gagarin: 12,500 seats - enough for everyone to come and support Kryvbas, support Ukraine

Artem Gagarin, vice-president of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" answered the questions of the press service of the stadium "Košická Futbalová Aréna" in Košice, Slovakia, where our team will play home matches of the European Cup qualifiers for the 2024/2025 season.

About the option with a stadium in Košice

"Currently, there is a war in our country because of an inadequate neighbor. Because of this, we cannot host Eurocub matches in our native Ukraine, our native Kryvyi Rih. Therefore, all Ukrainian clubs are forced to look for venues where they can hold their home meetings and where our fans can come. For us, the option from Košice was a priority. First, it is convenient logistics for us - not far from Ukraine. In addition, we know that many Ukrainians are staying here now. And, most importantly, Kryvyi Rih and Kosice are sister cities. We are brothers because of sports. In other words, everything happened in order for us to be able to play here."

Why the stadium in Košice?

"At the time when we wanted to register the stadium as home for Kryvbas, it was occupied by Dnipro-1. Currently, the people of Dnipro have withdrawn from all competitions, and we have such an opportunity. Although, to be honest, we have already agreed with another stadium. But they decided to change everything in order to play in Kosice. This stadium is modern, comfortable, and looks great. Finally completed, it has stands on four sides. I hope that when both Ukrainian and local fans come here, we will feel no worse here than in Kryvyi Rih."

We talked and consulted with Dnipro-1. All we heard - very cool stadium, very cool organization, very cool people! Support at "Dnipro-1" was also at the same level. Therefore, I really hope that people will also come to the "Kryvbas" match. 12,500 seats - enough for everyone to come and support "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih, to support Ukraine. After all, we are playing for the sake of Ukraine, for the sake of those boys and girls who are now defending our country, and those who gave their lives for the country."

About the draw

"I was personally present at the draw at the UEFA headquarters. And, I can say that, probably, "Victoria" is the opponent we least wanted. A strong opponent, with whom we already met at the winter meeting. "Kryvbas" lost, but, I hope, this experience will be useful to us already in official matches. But we will not complain, the lot is the lot. If we want to play in European tournaments, we must be ready for strong opponents. We will do everything on the field, and we expect strong support from the fans."

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih