Patrick van Leeuwen: With FC leadership "Kryvbas" We have a joint understanding of the direction in which the club should develop

Head coach of Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas in a great interview with online edition Ukrainian football. The most urgent moments of conversation to your attention.

- What emotions did you have when you came to Kryvyi Rih?

- When I first met with executives Kryvbas in - President and CEO - we had a meaningful conversation about the club, his vision and development plans. I was invited to come, look everything with my own eyes, evaluate the conditions and atmosphere from the inside.

I have repeatedly come to Kryvyi Rih as a coach of a rifle team, so I had a certain idea of the situation. In particular, he witnessed one of the interrupted matches, so he knew a little more than a trainer who did not work in Ukrainian football. After talking to the management, there was a positive impression - we had a joint understanding of the direction in which the club should develop.

- How quickly managed to establish contact with players?

- First of all, it was important for me to make contact with players who have been in the club for a long time. They can provide the most information - both about internal processes and development Kryvbas in recent years. After all, the club went the way and became entrenched in good positions in the premiere League, so I wanted to better understand how everything happened - from last season to daily working moments.

It helps to make a holistic picture: what are the ambitions of players, how they respond to changes in the team. It was important for me to understand whether they perceive the mass departure of players as a problem, or, conversely, it gives them motivation, because they remained and can become new leaders.

.

I already talked with some players in Kryvyi Rih, with others - during a training gathering. And it is very important to receive thoughts not only from Ukrainian football players, but also from foreigners - their experience and vision are also of great importance.

- In what percentage can you estimate the completion of breeding work? Are all the players you wanted to sign?

- As I said, the club was actively engaged in the selection of new players before my arrival. Several football players were invited to a training fee so that I could evaluate them and share their opinion. We had many positions that needed the update, and the club decided to bet on younger players. This is part of the strategy - to form a new team for the next few years and give a chance to young football players become part Kryvbas.

We have already managed to find several promising players, although the process has not yet been completed - we are still looking for candidates for separate positions. But there is some progress: if there were only 14 players in the first workout, now they are already 20. That is, we are moving forward - both quantitatively and in quality.

We have already signed several Ukrainian football players as well as several players from South America. As a coaching headquarters, we are satisfied with how this process goes. Players work with great dedication, demonstrate ambitions and desire to develop. From the very beginning, a good atmosphere prevails both on and outside the field. Can say that every day is the pleasure of working with this team.

- How much players have already taken your football philosophy?

- I think before my arrival, the team had already used a 4-2-3-1 scheme, so the current changes- for example, a game with one or two supporting midfielders- did not become something new. The main task is to integrate new players into a team. At the same time, new performers and new style of the game are complemented by each other, and everything is happening quite positively.

players are gradually adapting. In control matches we have already managed to demonstrate certain ideas in both defense and attack. The players begin to embody what we work on training. They listen to our requirements, and we, for our part, give them space for trial and mistakes - this is how understanding and development comes.

- what are the positions still looking for reinforcement?

- Currently, our main focus is the strengthening of the defense line and the position of the support midfielder. I believe that we already have interesting players in the attack, including attacking midfielders, so the focus is now on improving the quality of the game in protection. As I noted earlier, we want to involve young and talented football players in this process. This is and is philosophy Kryvbas U.

- You have already decided on the basic tactical scheme, for as oy play Kryvbas ?

-I think those who know me in Ukrainian football understand that my game is always based on the 4-3-3 scheme. From this we start: we try to build a combination game with the use of gears, individual players' actions and, of course, team protection. I am convinced that without quality defense the match is not won, so it is one of the key elements of our philosophy - to defend the whole team. But at the same time, we adapt to the existing warehouse, taking into account the individual qualities of the players. But the base is 4-3-3.

- Are they ready to put the club's pupils this season? Do you see such talents in U-19?

- Yes, in the first week of training, six or seven young men worked with us U-19. The first impression is interesting players. I recently watched a friendly match, so in the course that Spanish coaches have already started working with the team. I think it will seriously help the development of the Academy in general and players under 19 years in particular - working with a foreign coaching staff will give a powerful momentum.

When needed - we will invite young players to workout with the first team. Already in our group there are pupils of the Academy Kryvbas - it is Shevchenko, Popov, Mulik, Kamensky. Goalkeepers also. There were some difficulties with Williams, but he would also join us after returning home. So now six players from the Academy are training with the first team - and this is a very good indicator. We will watch carefully about their progress and when they are ready, we will give them a chance to train or play for the first team.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih on materials #1 #1 # Ukrainian football