Ilya Krupsky: I think that the Cup final with Shakhtar is the most important match for Vorskla in the last two or three years

Defender of Poltava Vorskla Ilya Krupsky in an exclusive interview with Sport Arena spoke about the latest performances of Poltava residents this seasoninterest in yourself from European clubsdebut in the youth national team of Ukraine and the best football players in Europe in their role.

– Ilya, let’s start with the UPL championship. In the last round, Vorskla lost to Polesie 0:1. Game score?

— In my opinion, we did not deserve defeat in Zhitomir. Vorskla created more scoring chances than Polesie. But, unfortunately, we did not take advantage of our opportunities. The game went on until the first goal and, unfortunately, we missed this only goal.

– Vorskla is now in eighth place in the championship. Is it natural?

– No. I think we could and will still be higher in the standings. Now, it seems to me that we are not yet 100% implementing the ideas of the new coaching staff. We are still getting used to it and, I think, we will improve with each game and then our results will be better.

— In the next round, Vorskla will play against Metalist 1925, which is headed by former Poltava coach Viktor Skripnik. Is this match important to you?

– I think yes. And it’s not just about Viktor Skripnik. First of all, Vorskla needs qualifying points to gain a number of points that will allow us to avoid transition matches. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible so that we can calmly prepare for the Ukrainian Cup final match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

– When Viktor Skripnik headed Vorskla, did he enjoy his trust?

— I am grateful to this specialist, because under him I began to play in the starting lineup more often, he trusted me. Memories from working with him are only positive. Thanks to him for everything.

– They say that when Skripnik came to Vorskla, the players did not understand his tactical vision for the team’s game at all.

– There is some truth in this, because we are faced with a new vision of his tactics. This scheme with a diamond and an emphasis on attack was unusual for us and incomprehensible. This tactic requires strong players in the middle of the field. We had them, but it took time and teamwork. It was hard right away, but later we understood him better, but then the tactics also changed to 4-4-2 and 4-3-3.

– What do you remember about working in Vorskla with Yuri Maximov?

– He is a more emotional coach, with his own charisma. I am also grateful to him that he gave me a ticket to big football, with him I made my debut in the first team.

– What does Sergei Dolgansky emphasize in his work?

“He pays a lot of attention to conversations with players and a good atmosphere in the team. There is no such thing as the coaching staff being separate and the players being separate. We all communicate together and experience the results together. We want us to bring the Ukrainian Cup to Poltava under his leadership and we will do everything possible for this.

– Are Vorskla preparing for the final with Shakhtar as if it were a fight with a chance of winning a trophy?

– Yes. I think that in the last two or three years this will be the most important match for Vorskla. Opportunities like this don’t come along often. Therefore you need to use it. We will fight, and if necessary, for 120 minutes of the match. We are only determined to win, although we also understand that Shakhtar is a top club and always plays in European competitions. But in the Cup final, I think our chances will be 50/50.

– This year you made your debut in the Ukrainian youth team. What are your impressions of being called up to the blue-yellows?

– It was very interesting and pleasant to gain new experience. It was easy to adapt because there were two other Vorskla players with me – Pavel Isenko and Evgeniy Pavlyuk. Unai Melgosa is a highly professional trainer who had training that was new to me. He is impulsive, but pays great attention to tactics. We won a friendly match against Morocco, then in the Euro qualifier against Azerbaijan. I want to continue this path and progress.

— After the matches for the national team, did conversations begin about your possible transfer to a European club?

– Maybe. But now I’m thinking more about the upcoming matches for Vorskla in the championship and the final of the Ukrainian Cup. As for the transfer, my agent is dealing with these issues and negotiations, and I am focused on football.

– Who are the top players of your role in European football for you?

– If you determine the three best right-backs, then for me the first place is Kyle Walker from Manchester City, the second is Daniel Carvajal from Real Madrid, and the third is Igor Perduta from Vorskla. Igor is a very strong football player, he gives a lot of tips, he taught me a lot.