Danylo Sychov: In FA "Kryvbas" believe in young people and create all the conditions for development
We continue the publication of the #BestAcademy series of materials dedicated to the players and coaches of the Kryvyi Rih Football Academy "Kryvbas". Today we are talking about a 15-year-old graduate of the Academy, the goalkeeper of "Kryvbas" U-19, who came to Kryvyi Rih from Kharkiv.
- Tell us a little about yourself: where are you from and how did your football story begin? What was your first step into this world?
- I come from Kharkiv. Football has been a part of my life since birth, because my dad played professionally for Metalist 1925. It was his example that inspired me to delve into the world of football.
- Do you agree with the idea that a goalkeeper is not just a position, but a calling? What attracted you to this position?
- Yes, I completely agree. A goalkeeper is a special player who not only has a different role, but also thinks differently. My father was a great inspiration for me. I saw what a strong goalkeeper he was - and I wanted to be even better.
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- The legendary Manuel Neuer said: "I am not just a goalkeeper. I am the last defender and the first attacker." What does this quote mean to you? How close is it to your style of play?
- A goalkeeper is truly one of the key players on the field, who shapes the game not only in defense, but also in building attacks. I also try to play "high" to insure the defenders.
- Did you imagine that at such a young age you would be able to sign your first professional contract with FC Kryvbas?
- This was my goal, and I worked hard to achieve it. Signing the contract was an important step, but I took it calmly - because I understand that this is just the beginning of a long journey.
- Remember the moment when you learned about the possibility of signing a contract. What emotions overwhelmed you?
- It was pleasant news, but I remained collected. I was no longer thinking about emotions, but about how I now needed to work even harder to justify my trust.
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- Why did you choose the Kryvbas Football Academy? What, in your opinion, distinguishes it from other football schools?
- The Kryvbas Academy gives young football players real chances to prove themselves and reach a new level. They believe in young people here and create all the conditions for development.
- Tell us about the coaches of the Academy and the U-19 team. Who among them has influenced you the most?
- This is Serhiy Dmytrovych Smorodin - the goalkeeper coach of Kryvbas U-19 and Taras Oleksandrovych Grebenyuk - the former goalkeeper coach of the main team. They taught me discipline, confidence and left their mark not only in football terms. They helped me grow as a goalkeeper, but also influenced me as a person.
- Is there a phrase from the coach that you hear most often and that has become part of your thinking?
- "Everything is decided by work, dedication, and discipline." This phrase is constantly repeated by my coach, Serhiy Dmitrievich Smorodin - and I truly believe it.
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- Which famous goalkeeper inspires you?
- I am inspired by Caua Santos from Eintracht. I like his reliability on the goal line and confident play in key moments.
- Do you keep a training diary or record your achievements? How does it help you develop?
- I don’t keep a diary, but I always try to immediately catch all the comments and tips from the coaches. I remember the details and implement them into the game.
- You have worked with the Kryvbas senior team many times. How did this affect your perception of the game?
- At first, it was difficult to adapt to the pace, because everything is much faster in the senior team. But overall, I adapted quite quickly, the goalkeeping training was not much different from those in the U-19.
- Is there any of the senior team players who supports you or gives you advice?
- Yes, Andriy Klischuk used to support me, he was an example for me and always helped. Now I communicate well with Bar Lin, I can always turn to him for advice.
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- What moment or event at the Academy was the most memorable?
- There was a training session where we were practicing shots, and Tony Mascaro wanted to join in. He said that if he scored 3 out of 5, we would all do push-ups. He had one last shot left - he hit the post, but I saved it. The whole team applauded, and Tony did push-ups. I also remember the match with Chornomorets in the 1\4 - we advanced after a penalty shootout, I even scored the shot myself. The atmosphere, the fans, the emotions - it was unforgettable.
- What is football for you today - just a sport, a lifestyle or something deeper?
- For me, football is my whole life. I can't imagine myself without it.
- What do you think: does football destiny exist, or is everything decided only by work?
- I am convinced: everything is decided by work, dedication and discipline.
- What do you do outside of football? Is there a hobby that helps you recharge?
- I like to play billiards, table tennis and listen to music. It helps me to get distracted and recharge a little.
- What do you dream of as a football player? What prospects do you see for yourself at the Kryvbas Academy?
- I dream of making my debut for the Kryvbas main team and am ready to work every day to make it happen as soon as possible.
- What is the main principle you adhere to in the game and training?
- To give yourself completely to every moment and maintain self-confidence.
- Complete the sentence: “Kryvbas Academy – #TheBestAcademy in the South-West region Ukraine, because…”
- Because they believe in young people here, give them a chance to prove themselves and make a serious step into professional football.
Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih