Patrick van Leeuwen: International friendly matches are useful for all our players

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas Patrick van Leeuwen spoke about the start of the second summer training camp in the Netherlands and the team's immediate plans.

- Mr, the team has already started working in the Netherlands. What are the main tasks you have set for this stage of preparation?

- As I said, last week we held the first part of the training camp in Ukraine. The team worked very hard, many young players were involved in the training process. Now we have come to the Netherlands, where the conditions and climate are completely different. When players get into a new environment, it gives them enthusiasm. It is important for us to train well, work in a good atmosphere, achieve the necessary physical progress and hold friendly matches.

- How important will the friendly matches be? What will you pay attention to first of all?

- It is very important for the team to hold friendly matches. No less important is the fact that we meet with European teams. It is always an interesting challenge, because there is a different football culture and a slightly different technical level of the game. Such matches are useful for all our football players - both for legionnaires and for Ukrainian players. It is a great opportunity to gain new experience and test your strength against the background of strong opponents.

- The team goes to training by bicycle. Was it your idea or is it just such a Dutch tradition?

- There is a wonderful tradition in the Netherlands: teams and players go to training by bicycle. I really like to see how the guys themselves, on their own initiative, go from the hotel to the training field by bicycle. It creates a good mood from the very beginning of the day. Everyone enjoys this short trip, and it has a positive effect on the atmosphere in the team.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih