Denis Kuzyk: In the matches against Italy and Portugal, they showed the true fighting nature of Ukraine

EXCLUSIVE from Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" midfielder Denys Kuzyk as part of the traditional column from the official sponsor of the FAVBET Club.

- Denys, confrontation with the giants of European football at the youth level - did the team and you personally pass this exam?

- I think so. Because we drew two good matches against top teams. I think they passed this exam, because they prepared well. It was a cool experience for me to play with the top teams.

- Ukraine played 3:3 with Portugal and 2:2 with Italy. What are the strengths of each of the opponents and who was the most difficult?

- Probably, it was more difficult to play with the Italians, they are more aggressive. Each of these national teams has its own strengths, which we thoroughly discussed with the coaches in theory and well prepared for the games. Therefore, they gained experience and a good result. As for Portugal, they are more technical, play more on the ball, so there was more time to think.

- In both matches, the blue-yellow team showed character and played back at the end of the match. Was the fighting spirit of the team felt in these matches?

- Yes, we were set up for two combat games, so we prepared carefully and showed it on the field. They showed the true fighting character of our country.

- Your competitors for the position of left defender in the national team are Roman from "Rukh" and Khlan from the Polish "Lechia". How would you rate the competition with these performers?

- These are very good players with whom it is nice to compete. In general, it is good that there is competition with such players, because thanks to competition, you become stronger and grow even more as a professional football player.

- What is the general atmosphere in the national team? Has much changed in the two years of your absence?

- The atmosphere is great because everyone supports each other. During these two years that I was not called, in principle, not much has changed, only that the coach is different now.

- How were you accepted in the team? Are there any players with whom you played in the youth team before?

- They received it well, because I knew almost all of them two years ago. Therefore, the atmosphere in the team was as great then as it is now.

- Did you feel support from the partners and coaches of "Kryvbas" before and after these matches?

- Of course. "Kryvbas" players wrote before and after the games, so I felt supported. Before the trip to the national team, our coach Yuriy Mykolayovych Vernydub came up to me and said motivational words, so I am very grateful to him. After all, he went to the national team in a good mood.

- What emotions did you feel when you put on the blue-yellow T-shirt again and sang together with your partners the national anthem of Ukraine?

- These are unsurpassed emotions. Everyone is waiting for this to play for their country, everyone aspires to this, every player has a dream to play for the Ukrainian national team.

- The matches of the championship of Ukraine are ahead. Isn't it difficult to switch from national teams to club competitions?

- I think not. I arrived four days before the game against Obolon, it was time to reload. Already with all thoughts in club affairs.

- We know that your younger brother Roman, who even scored in the last match of the youth championship of "Kryvbas" U-19, plays in "Kolos". How often do you communicate?

- We can say that we are in close contact with him. I closely follow his games, sometimes I tell him in important moments.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih