Denys Pidhurskyi: I’ve always admired Kryvbas’s ambition - I felt that this challenge would be a significant step forward

Denys Pidhurskyi, a midfielder for Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, gave an extensive interview in which he spoke candidly about his football journey and this new chapter of his career with the "Red-and-Whites." Here are the highlights of the conversation.

- Denys, you were born in Seredkevychi. Looking back at your childhood, what were you like off the pitch - quiet, mischievous, or a leader among your friends?

- Yes, I was born in the village of Seredkevychi in the Lviv region. I think I was quite calm; my parents raised me very well. I was quiet but also, you could say, a leader: other kids would always gather around me, and I was constantly trying to organize things - like group games.

- What aspect of Seredkevychi shaped you the most: your family, the village itself, your friends, or the atmosphere?

- I believe it was a combination of everything. Without my family, I wouldn't be where I am today. My first coach also had a huge influence on my development, as did my friends, brothers, and relatives. Everyone played a part in shaping who I am.

- What kind of player were you at 13 or 14, and how did your coaches view you? Were you already playing in your current position back then?

- I wouldn't say I was an exceptional talent - more of a solid, average player with a specific set of qualities. I always strove to work on my weaknesses. My coaches - specifically Roman Stepanovych Derkach - clearly pointed out my weaknesses, so I put in a lot of individual work when I was 13 or 14. As for my position, I’ve played as a defensive or central defender for practically my entire career.

- Which of your academy teammates do you remember best? Who did you grow up and compete with, and who did you share dreams of big-time football with?

- We had a fantastic team with so many talented guys. Time has proven our quality: Vitaliy Roman and Dmytro Ledviy are currently playing in the Premier League. My close friend Serhiy Davydov is also a very hard worker, and I’m certain he’ll be playing at the UPL level soon, too. But there were others who had incredible natural talent yet stalled somewhere along the way - lacking the mental resilience or the drive to put in the work—and, unfortunately, they left the sport.

- What was your biggest football setback during your youth years, and what did it teach you?

- I recall the final stage of the Youth League (DYUFL) tournament, back when I was in the ninth grade. It was a decisive match where we couldn't afford to concede two goals. We couldn't quite hold out, and the opposition scored because of a mistake I made, leading to our elimination. That moment is still the first thing that comes to mind - at the time, I desperately wanted to turn back the clock and fix it. Mistakes teach you the importance of total concentration.

- In the 2022/23 season, Ruh U-19 won the Ukrainian championship. What does this trophy mean to you today?

- It was a historic milestone for domestic football: until then, the youth title had been contested exclusively by Dynamo and Shakhtar. We won the championship twice in a row. Everything came together perfectly: phenomenal conditions provided by the management and club president Hryhoriy Kozlovskyy, Ponomaryov’s coaching staff, and a cohesive core of players. That squad was so confident that we simply swept our opponents aside.

- You played only two matches for the Ukraine U-19 national team. Why was that international cycle so short?

- I am grateful to Volodymyr Yezerskyy and Vyacheslav Shevchuk for the call-up and their trust. A unique and unfortunate situation occurred: we failed to advance due to an excessive number of yellow cards. All tournament metrics - points and goal difference - were exactly the same as our rivals'. It came down to counting bookings, and we were eliminated based on that criterion. It was a painful but highly valuable international experience.

- Do you keep the goal of wearing the Ukraine national team jersey in mind?

- Every Ukrainian player dreams of defending the blue-and-yellow colors of the country's main team. I take a realistic view of things and understand the level of competition. Nothing is impossible if you work your socks off in training every day toward that goal. Making the national team is my dream and my primary footballing objective.

- When did you first hear about Kryvbas's interest in you?

- Back when Yuriy Vernydub was the coach. However, at that time, I decided to stay at Ruh, where I had clear team objectives to meet. At the same time, Kryvbas's ambition always appealed to me - so the option was never off the table - and eventually, the transfer happened. Kryvbas is a distinctive club with European competition experience and an interesting international coaching staff. Working within such a structure is very beneficial for me.

- What was the key factor in your move to Kryvyi Rih?

- A combination of factors: the club's status, ambitious goals, the management's interest, the coaching ideas, and the incredible fan support. Kryvbas has an amazing fanbase. I felt this challenge would be a major step forward, and I want to give my all for the team.

- What do you find most unusual about Patrick van Leeuwen's approach?

- The training process itself. I hadn't worked with foreign coaches before. The emphasis, dynamics, and drills here are completely different from those used by the specialists I worked with previously. It took a little time to adapt, but it’s a valuable new tactical toolkit.

- Looking back at the journey you've taken - from Seredkevychi to the UPL, Kryvbas, and the UEFA Youth League - what still seems the most amazing?

- Probably the journey itself. Football life is extremely unpredictable: today you’re here, but six months from now, fate might land you somewhere completely different. You have to make important decisions quickly, weather the setbacks, and work tirelessly. The whole journey is one big, exciting challenge.

Press service of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih according to the materials Sport.ua