Patrick van Leeuwen: Physical fitness remains our top priority

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Patrick van Leuven commented on the friendly match against Belgian Lommel (2:4) at the second summer training camp in the Netherlands.

- Mr, what are the main conclusions you can draw after the first sparring match at this training camp?

- I liked how the team worked today. At the same time, we understand that there is still a lot of work ahead. We also need to strengthen the squad with a few new players to fully complete the team. In the second half, unfortunately, we ourselves gave the opponent two easy goals. After the 65-70th minute, I made the substitutions planned even before the match: I released fresh players and gave rest to those who spent the most time on the field.

- To what extent did the guys fulfill what you demanded before the match?

- We worked well on physical fitness. We tried to play in our own style, actively press the opponent. In many episodes, this worked and allowed us to create dangerous moments. I think that in the first half we should have realized more of our chances and scored earlier than conceding. That's when we should have had a better result.

- How important is it in such matches to look not at the score, but at the implementation of the game principles?

- Physical readiness remains our main priority now. We must be able to play in our own style for the entire 90 minutes: to press intensively, act compactly and keep the correct distances between the lines. We still have something to work on in this component. But during the first hour of the game, the team fulfilled these requirements very qualitatively.

- Almost all the players got playing practice today. Are you satisfied with how they used their chance?

- In the first half, we created a lot of chances thanks to pressing. We just need to add to the implementation. At the same time, this team still has great potential for development. If we continue to work in the same direction, and in the near future we will have a few more new players joining us, I will be completely satisfied with what I saw today.

- There are two more test matches ahead. What will the team focus on before the next sparring session?

- There are three days until the next match. We will continue to work. Today some players received more playing time, others will make up for it on Wednesday. We will continue to develop the team, help newcomers adapt to our requirements faster and explain to them the principles of the game that our club adheres to in as much detail as possible.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih