Hrvoye Ilyich: "Kryvbas" did everything for me to make me feel comfortable here

Midfielder of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" Hrvoye Ilyich gave a detailed interview to the online publication Ukrainian Football. The most relevant topics of the conversation are for your attention.

- Hrvoe, how did you start playing football in the first place. What was your story?

- My story began in FC "Granicar" from a small town in Eastern Croatia - Županja, when I was 3-4 years old. Already as a young boy, I entered the Academy of FC Osijek, where my full-fledged football career began. He went to school in the morning, and after that he immediately went to training, which ended around 23 p.m. To be honest, the schedule was tight for the little guy, and because of this, sometimes my teammates and I stayed overnight in the locker room. 

- In general, what is the secret of the Croatian football school, how do you think

- The secret is that we, Croats, are generally a sports nation, the spirit of leadership is in our blood. That is why we show great results on the world stage in many sports: football, tennis, basketball and water polo.

- Collectiveand Croatia. The dream of every Croat?

 - Of course. In general, it seems to me that every football player has a goal - to play for the national team of his country. Let's see if it will be possible. But I work diligently every day to make this dream a reality.

- At "Bloody hell» you quickly became one of the leaders. What helped you become your own in a new team?

- Indeed, I integrated very quickly in the new club and in two weeks I felt at home. Almost immediately I started to show my potential and do what the coach asked me to do. In addition, my teammates, coaches and club management welcomed me very warmly and did everything to make me feel comfortable.

- From March to September 2024, you did not spend "Kryvbas» no match. Your return to the team location - what are your emotions about this now?

- Of course, I am glad to return to Kryvyi Rih, to "Kryvbas" and to see my teammates again. I am grateful to the management and coaches for their understanding and support. Currently, I want to help the red and white team to reach all the peaks. Indeed, "Kryvbas" is us!

- The pause in your performances for "Kryvbas" just happened, including historical ones European cup games for the club. Where did you support the team?

- Of course, I watched all the matches of Kryvbas. I especially remember the first match against "Viktoria" Pilsen, because our team proved that it can play with this experienced opponent on the same level. I believed until the last in the strength of Kryvbas and that we would go further. But this is football, an unpredictable sport. I believe that some anxiety and psychological pressure have undermined our boys. As for "Betis", everyone understood that this is also a strong team, one of the strongest in Spain. It was not possible to realize its moments, unlike the opponent. In general, it was a great European experience for "Kryvbas", a springboard in the career of many of our football players.

- What tasks and prospects in "Kryvbasy" for the current season?

- We are currently in the leading group, so we will only move forward and show the strength of the team. Due to the fact that a lot of guys were injured during the season, the composition of the team changed, so we had to be versatile and find a way out of the situation. In general, we can include the first half of the year as an asset.

- What are the personal goals of Hrvoe Ilyich on the second part of the seasony?

- I want to win with Kryvbas. I wish we had passed this way without injuries. In general, our goal is to finish this season in the top 3. Most of all, I hope this damn war ends as soon as possible. I feel sorry for the Ukrainians, because for three years now they have been forced to live in constant fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

- Who is your best friend in "Bloody hell"?

- I communicate perfectly with everyone. Of course, it is easier for me to interact with English-speaking guys, but I already understand some Ukrainian words. Thank you, congratulations and so on. It is very cool that many teammates have started to learn English, it greatly simplifies the language barrier.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih for materials Ukrfootball.ua