Patrick van Leeuwen: Every match is a challenge. We play our own style and progress week by week

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Patrick van Leeuwen became a guest of the UPL TV studio, where he answered the questions of the presenters the day after the victory in the 9th round of the UPL over Lviv Ruh - 2:1.

- Patrick, the team is sensationally leading in the UPL, so the conversation will be about the leader of the season. Patrick, what do you think about the status of the championship leader?

- At the start of the season, we could not accurately predict where we would be. The team was updated, many newcomers, foreigners, changes in the style of play. But we invested a lot of energy, and now we see that it brings results. The position of the leader is our reward for the work done. We are enjoying the moment.

- Are we ready to enjoy this moment for a long time?

- Of course. Every match is a challenge. We play in our own style and progress week after week.

- Your fans like your open, attacking style. And do you, as a coach, like such open, effective matches?

- Yes, mostly - yes. But it all depends on the result. We play open football, we look for space, we constantly work on this in training. The players have a lot of energy. In other matches, the opposing teams also tried to play attacking, but this is our style. We want to play attacking and that is exactly what we are implementing.

- Which match was the best in your team's performance?

- The match against Zorya. There we saw the team's true potential. Everything came together: style, combinations, correct positions. This game showed what we are capable of. Yes, there is still something to work on in defense.

- I was at the match then, I saw a very high defense line. Zorya had a lot of moments. Some people think that this is a risky style of play. Do you plan to move away from it?

- The style starts with the energy of the defenders. Konate, Bekavac, Vilivald - they are very mobile and fast. This allows us to move to the next zone. This style is part of our game.

- Yesterday at the match "Ruh" - "Kryvbas" you were wearing a short-sleeved shirt, although it was quite cold. Why is that?

- To be honest, I expected sunny weather. I started the match in this way, but when you are immersed in the game, you don't feel the cold. After the match I took a hot shower - everything is fine.

- Mendoza is a very bright player. He is on loan with the option to buy. What is his potential?

- Gleikker scores and is noted for his effective actions in almost every match. We clearly see his potential, I watch his progress every week. Mendoza has only been in the team for six months, but already now it is clear that he has every chance to reach a high level. Our task is to direct him in the right direction of development, like the rest of the team's players.

Gleiker still has room to grow, particularly in his positional attack. But at the same time, I want to emphasize: he is a team player, and this is very important. His potential is really high. In every round, he creates chances - and mostly realizes them.

- And Paraco and Araujo? They also look very good.

- Yes, Paraco is already showing a high level. They are physically ready for the demands of the UPL and have the right attitude to work. They come every day with a smile, and this lays the foundation for future success. Combined with football qualities, this attitude to work will ensure their progress to a very high level.

- Do you plan to strengthen the squad with Ukrainians?

- Working with players from the Kryvbas Academy is exactly the strategy that we discussed before I joined the team. The club is actively developing in this direction. We are already integrating players from the U-19 team into the main squad. We have strong Ukrainian players on whom we are counting.

Of course, I would like to have a few more competitive Ukrainians - maybe it will happen a little later. For me, the main thing is to work with energy and desire. Mistakes happen, as it was, for example, in the match with Kolos, but we take them into account and work on correcting them. This is also part of the team's development and preparation for the future.

- What is your playing philosophy?

- Our philosophy is a quick transition from your own third of the field to the final one. We strive to get to the zone as quickly as possible where we can create a threat near the opponent's goal.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih according to the materials UPL TV