Hero of the 17th round of the First League Riznyk: Signing a contract with Ternopil Niva is a fateful decision in my football career

Captain Niva Riznyk – in shock. Five goals in last four matches. What a pity he must be that the autumn part of the season is over for the Ternopil residents – after all, by the end of the first stage Andrey had gained incredible shape. Proof of this is the top match with the Khmelnytsky team, after which the Sport Arena and PFL jury paid tribute to his decisive contribution to the victory and remarkable form over a long period of play.

The best player of the 17th round in the First League, Andrei Reznik, shared his emotions from the victory over Podolia (2:1), spoke about his collaboration with Virt, and also remembered the beginning of his career. Let us remind you that in the match with Podolia, the captain of Niva scored a double.

– How unexpected and pleasant is it for you to be recognized as the best player of the tour in the First League?

– Of course, it is very pleasant to win in such an honorable nomination. I thank my teammates and coaching staff, because without them I would not have been able to achieve this result. I also thank the authoritative experts who noted me.

– Niva has already completed 2024 for itself. How do you assess the team’s performance in the first part of the season?

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t qualify for the championship group, so we performed poorly. They did not cope with their task for this part of the season.

– Your team won the last three matches, but before that they could not achieve the desired result. What is the reason for such instability?

– So far I can’t find a specific reason for these results. You need to work even harder to play consistently. I hope that there will be no such instability in the spring.

– What were your expectations before the match with Podillya?

– We approached the match with a positive mood. We were only focused on winning. We wanted to please the fans with a good game, because they deserve it.

– In the middle of the first half, you opened the scoring with a superb free-kick. Do you practice similar strikes in training? One of your most spectacular goals?

– I try to practice my shots after every training session. It’s great that I was able to score from a free kick. Indeed, it was one of my most spectacular goals.

– What did the coach focus on during the break? According to your personal feelings, did everything work out in the first half of the meeting?

– The coach focused attention on our game and pointed out mistakes. Unfortunately, before the break, not everything worked out in the final third of the field, although there were many promising attacks.

– In the 59th minute, you initially missed the penalty, but played well in finishing and increased the team’s advantage. Admit it, did you get scared when you missed the penalty?

– Of course, I was worried when I didn’t score, but it’s good that I was the first to finish and still sent the ball into the net. Next time we need to score from the penalty spot to avoid unnecessary excitement.

– How difficult was it for the team in the second half of the half or did they still play with reserves?

– Until the moment of the penalty, we were completely in control of the game, but the ending was still nervous. It is important that we were able to bring the game to a winning result. I think we deserved three points.

– Is eight goals scored something you can be proud of?

– For a striker, the most important thing is scoring goals. I am pleased to benefit the team with my goals. Of course, you always want to score more, because there is no limit to perfection. If not for the injury, I could have brought more benefit to Niva.

– How satisfied are you personally with your cooperation with Virt? What new things did you learn from this specialist?

– I am pleased with the cooperation with Yuri Virt’s coaching staff. We did a lot of work, and it paid off at the end of the first part of the season. In the last matches 2024 played well. Yuri Nikolaevich always says that you need to believe in your own strength and then everything will work out.

– You were born in the Ternopil region. Probably, since childhood you dreamed of playing for Niva?

– Since childhood I dreamed of becoming a football player. At this stage of my career, life brought me to Niva. I’m glad that I can be useful to the club with my play.

– You graduated from the ninth grade of Pronyatyn secondary school No. 30, which is part of the structure of FC Ternopil. What can you remember from this period?

– I remember him with warmth. There they gave me everything I needed, and I began my path to professional football.

– Despite your young age, you played for the adult team in the district championship. How difficult was it and how did you manage to adapt?

– At first it was quite difficult, but gradually I was able to adapt. It was a new experience for me. I’m happy that they believed in me and gave me the opportunity to prove myself.

– In 2015, you signed a contract with Ternopil, but played only three matches for the team. What is the reason?

– Then I was only 15 years old, with no experience in professional football. I am sincerely grateful to Vasily Petrovich Ivegesh, who gave me the chance to play at this level.

– Already on August 30, 2015, in a match against Illichivets, you made your debut in the First League. You became one of the youngest debutants in the First League. Share your emotions?

– I was overwhelmed with positive emotions. Of course, I felt nervous. I gained the necessary experience that will help me in the future. I enjoyed training with the first team.

– After two meetings for the first team you were withdrawn. What was the reason for this decision?

– Probably, the club took this step so that I could get more playing practice with guys my age.

– Since March 2, 2016, Ternopil has continued to cooperate with you. Did your performance in winter sparring influence your decision?

– Indeed, in the winter I was able to show my best side and the coaching staff decided to return me to the first team. Happy that I took my chance.

– In 2019 you signed a contract with Niva. This is probably the key transfer in your career so far?

– Indeed, it was a fateful decision in my football career. I hope that I can reach the top in Ukrainian football together with Niva. Thanks to daily work, you have the opportunity to progress together with the team.

BLITZ

• Born in the village of Nyrkiv, Chertkiv district, Ternopil region
• Pupil – FC Ternopil
• First coach – Vasily Petrovich Ivegesh
• Favorite players: Messi, Benzema and Aguero
• Goal in football? I’m trying to play for the Ukrainian national team

Yaroslav Krokha