Illia Kaplunov: After being called up to the national team of Ukraine, emotions overflowed

In an interview with the club's journalists, the midfielder of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" U-19 Ilya Kaplunov talked about his call-up to the youth national team of Ukraine and his debut.

- What were the first emotions after learning about the challenge?

- Honestly, I was filled with emotions when I found out about the call to the youth team. I immediately told this news to my relatives, who were very happy for me. Happy to be noticed.

- You played your first match for the Ukrainian national team. How did it turn out and are you satisfied with your debut?

- Yes, I am satisfied with my game. Played the entire first half in the test match against "Dinaz" from the First League, it ended 0:0. The head coach of the youth national team supported me and helped me in game moments.

- What are the requirements for Dmytro Mykhaylenko in the national team?

- The main requirement of the coach is that the players hear and listen to him.

- Are there acquaintances, friends in the national team? Maybe you crossed paths with someone before?

- Yes, there are guys with whom I used to cross paths in the UPL youth championship. For example, Husol from "Alexandria". I also made new friends here, talked about matches and training.

- Did he play his first match for the national team of Ukraine in his native position?

- I used to play as a right forward, and when I moved to Kryvbas U-19, they started to put me in the position of right defender. Basically, I feel comfortable here.

- Who else from our team can be expected in the U-19 national team, in your opinion? Do they pay attention to our pupils?

- Yes, the head coach of the youth national team definitely pays attention to the red and whites. He talked about some players from our team, he closely follows everyone. There are still several rounds in the championship ahead, so it is possible that someone else from "Kryvbas" U-19 will be called.

- Will this challenge help you in the future psychologically, or will it give you confidence?

- Yes, I am sure that it will help me, because this is a completely different level. In the national team, everything must be done much faster. It also gave me self-confidence to keep going and not stop.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih