Patrick van Leeuwen: The players worked hard throughout the season and progressed

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" Patrick van Leeuwen commented on the home match against Kolos from Kovalev - 1:1 in the 16th round of the UPL.

- Today was a really difficult match. Please analyze this meeting.

- We started the game with great confidence, and I think it was noticeable from the first minute. We actively created chances in the attack, even a little more than usual, and that's good. Of course, the weather and the condition of the field influenced the course of the game. The team played well and was able to score the first goal.

We had several chances to score the second goal, and in the second half we continued to stick to our plan. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal, but in the end we actively pressured the opponent, trying to get three points. There was a good moment in Paraco, when we could have scored the second goal, but unfortunately this did not happen.

- At the beginning of the first half, Tverdohlib scored a penalty. Why didn't we manage to develop the advantage?

- Of course, that was our plan, and the players were full of enthusiasm to continue attacking and creating chances. Unfortunately, we failed to score the second goal. We lost control of the game a little, but later we regained it. In the end, I think we actively pressured the opponent, trying to score the second goal.

- Please summarize the first part of the championship in the performance of our team.

- I think we passed this stage with dignity. However, we lost a certain number of points that we could have won. We are well aware of this and will work on our mistakes in the second part of the season.

- In what mood is the team going into the break after the last match of 2025?

- The team is going on vacation with a good mood and high expectations for how we can confront our opponents in the next stage. The players worked hard throughout the season and progressed both individually and as a team.

- Briefly about the team's plans for the winter break.

- Next week, the coaching staff will prepare and work on ideas for the winter training camp. We plan to hold quality training camps abroad and play several international matches.

- Did we expect such a result after the first round when we first started working at Kryvbas?

- To be honest, no. Because we have a very young team, and the players do not have much experience. But with each match, we gained more and more faith that we could achieve success with this team.

- Why did you make the only change so late?

- I did not have this feeling that we needed to change the game. I saw that the guys were working well.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih