Jan Jurcec: I have been with a soccer ball since I was three years old

To your attention, part of the exclusive material from the official match program for the game of the 25th round of the UPL 2025\2026 Kryvbas - Dynamo, when the Croatian defender of the red and whites Jan Jurcec answered our questions.

- Jan, tell us about your childhood - how did you get into football?

- My childhood... As far as I can remember, from the age of three or four - wherever we went with my parents, I always had a soccer ball with me. That's how it all started: I started playing at a very early age, I liked this sport, I played in kindergarten. And then, when I was 7 years old, my parents enrolled me in a soccer team. That's how it all started.

- And what were your first steps in the soccer academy?

- After that, around the age of 8 or 9, I became a player of a slightly better club. Then, at 12-13, I moved to the Lokomotiva academy - one of the best football schools in Croatia. I stayed there for 2-3 years, and then returned to my previous team - FC Kustoshija, later I got into the first team, which played in the Second League of Croatia. That's how I started my journey in adult football.

- Who was your idol as a child?

- Before, it was Ronaldinho, but later it became Messi. Probably, these two players are my idols in football.

- What helped you develop as a defender?

- It's an interesting story, because all my youth I played as a forward or winger - that is, more in attack. Then, when I was in Austria, in the club Altach (2022-2024), in the First League before moving to Kryvbas, the coach there put me in defense. Since then, I have also played a few matches for the Croatian U-21 national team as a right back. When I moved to Kryvbas, I also started playing as a right back. But since childhood, I have always played as a winger or striker, so I only started playing in defense when I was about 22.

- How is the UPL different from other leagues you have played in: Croatia, Austria?

- I would say that the UPL is a very strong league. It is difficult to win against every club you play against, because all the teams in the UPL are well organized and equal.

- You have been playing in Kryvyi Rih for over a year. Tell us: are you learning Ukrainian?

- Yes, I would say that my Ukrainian is a little better now than when I first arrived. For example, I understand football terminology quite well. And also some other phrases, such as, for example, "good morning", "how are you?" (smiles). I understand more things than I did a year ago and I'm trying really hard to learn

- How would you describe your playing style?

- I consider myself a fast player who brings a lot of energy to the game. Also tactically disciplined on the field - both in attack and defense. My technique is also quite good. I guess that's all.

Read the full version of the interview in the official match program for the game "Kryvbas" - "Dynamo". You can order this and other programs at the official website of the Fan-shop, or by writing in Direct link to the official page of the Kryvbas FC Fan Shop on Instagram.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih