Yaroslav Shevchenko: Love for my work motivates me to move forward

Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas midfielder Yaroslav Shevchenko shared his thoughts on the past UPL season.

- Yaroslav, first of all, tell us about your trip to the youth national team of Ukraine?

- Every player dreams of representing Ukraine on the international stage. I worked hard for this and I am very happy that I drew attention to myself.

- Did the presence of Volodymyr Villivald in the youth team help you settle into the team?

- I already knew many of the guys before or crossed paths with them on the field. Of course, I spent most of my time next to Willy, with whom I developed a great relationship in the team. This helped me adapt to the team faster.

- Currently, your teammate Kamensky is preparing for the Euro in the U-19 national team camp. How do you assess our chances for Euro 2026?

- I am very happy for him, I want to show myself at the European Championship as best as possible. I want Ukraine to show at this tournament that we are a very strong football nation.

- Remembering the previous season, can we say that your adaptation process in adult football is complete?

- I can say that I adapted, although I definitely cannot take the first season as an asset. I did not get much time on the field, but I did not give up, and already under Patrick it bore fruit.

- Patrick van Leeuwen, as you know, is good at working with young people. What has this year of work under his leadership given you?

- It is very pleasant for me to work with such a coach. There is constant communication between us. He clearly and easily explains what he wants to see from the players. He does not divide the team into young and experienced. If he sees that a young football player can do a greater amount of work than a more experienced partner, he will give preference to him. If you don't do the task, you don't play.

We have individual work in the gym and theoretical classes. For young players, there is also additional work designed to improve shortcomings in the game. Patrick can stop training and show you how to move or open up correctly. There is no way for you to guess what the coach meant.

- During the interview, you said a lot that you are driven by dreams. What is Yaroslav Shevchenko dreaming about in terms of football now?

- If we talk about football, it is to win the World Cup with Ukraine. And, to be honest, my favorite team is Barcelona, ​​so it is for the Blaugranas that I dream of playing (smiles). If not about sports, I really want the war to end in my country and Ukrainians to be able to live peacefully and not worry about their lives.

- What helps you not to lose interest in football during difficult periods?

- Love for your job. It is what motivates me to move forward. Giving up halfway and giving up is not about me. At such moments, you can test yourself and understand what you are really worth. I am lucky that on my way there is always the support of my parents and my girlfriend.

- Who are you rooting for at the 2026 World Cup?

- It is a pity that there is no Ukrainian national team at the tournament. But if I had to choose among the participants, I would name Argentina. Messi and Co. work great with the ball, but at the same time they can play hard. That is what attracts me to them. Plus, they have their own players, without naturalized players or immigrants from other countries. That is why I am for Argentina.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih according to the materials Ukrfootball.ua