Valentyn Platonov: "Kryvbas" will have a hard time, because "Viktoria" is an experienced European fighter

For your attention, exclusive material from the official match program for the first match of the third qualifying match of the Europa League "Kryvbas" - "Viktoria" Plzen. The ex-defender of "Kryvbas" from 1996-1996 Valentyn Platonov shared his memories of performances in the European Cups as part of the red and white team.

- Valentyn Viktorovych, you played for "Kryvbas" for many years. What are the most memorable memories from those times?

- Of course, all Kryvyi Rih mentions the legendary match against Parma in the European Cups, our legendary bronze and a match in the UEFA Cup. Very good memories remained in memory. Of course, there were also turning points after the European Cups, when the team began to decline, we were experiencing a difficult period in 2001. The team left many leading football players, I had a very serious injury. But we all withstanded, passed through all the difficulties, and kept the team.

- UEFA Cup: matches against "Shamkir", "Parma", "Nantes"... Ants on the skin?

- Yes, I remember every one of these confrontations very well. Against Shamkir it was the first game in the European Cups for Kryvbas. Our players were very experienced, but everyone worried before the game. However, at the same time, we understood that they were favorites of confrontation. The stands were filled: 18-20 thousand fans came. We won 3-0 without chance. Then there was Parma. The management very much wanted we got to a strong opponent - European class.

And in the end everything coincided we got this opponent. Unforgettable memories: first lost 2: 3 on the away, but gave a fight. At home - a full stadium, they wanted to create a sensation, but did not work. The amazing atmosphere, when the stadium is completely filled, it is forever etched in memory and in the heart for the football player. Nant is history. Our team was just beginning problems, so on an equal footing, the French were not destined.

- Viktoria Plzen - Bronze medalist of the Czech Championship and repeated champion of their country. What is the new revived Kryvbas pass this opponent?

- From my experience, I will say that it will be really difficult, because "Viktoria" constantly plays in European cups, and in this regard it will be very difficult, because they have experience. But on our side, there is a great desire and return of the name "Kryvbas" to the European level. In addition, our difficult situation in Ukraine. All Ukrainians really need victory, this will be the main motivation for football players. I think that the coaches will set up the players that way.

- Which of the legendary Czech players remember? Name your top 5.

- Czech football has always been at a high level, they have a very good national team. My top 5 football players are Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rositzki, Jan Koller, Karel Poborski, Petr Cech.

Read the full version of the interview in the official game program for the game Kryvbas - Viktoria Plzen. You can order this and other programs by writing in #1 #1 the official page of the fan shop FC Kryvbas .

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih