Hero of the 13th round of the First League Vasily Kravets: we want to prove to ourselves that Metalist 1925 is capable of winning regularly

Flank defenders are rare guests in the “Hero of the Tour” section, but in vain! They bring great benefit in the game formations of any progressive team, perform large volumes of work and actively help with their activity along the entire length of the field. A striking example is today’s winner of the Sport Arena and PFL jury.

If Arthur Valerko called Ari Moura “the Brazilian Yarmolenko” for the obvious similarity of dribbling and hitting, then Vasily Kravets for his appearance, hairstyle, athleticism, strong kick, manner of play and the color of the Pentacampeon national team uniform forced him to be called nothing less than “Kharkov Roberto Carlos.”

The hero of the thirteenth round in the First League, Vasily Kravets, shared his impressions of the victory over YUKSA, noted the team’s progress, and also thanked all the residents of the glorious city of Kharkov.

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

– To be honest, I didn’t expect to become the best player of the tour. I don’t consider myself a hero. This is the reward of our entire team. I will try to play even better in every match.

– With what expectations did the team approach the match against YUKSA? Did you benefit from missing the last tour?

– We approached the game with maximum spirit and carefully analyzed the opponent. We knew the strengths and weaknesses of YUKSA, having already played with this team. We were physically, tactically and mentally ready. In my opinion, our team benefited from skipping the tour because they got an extra day of rest.

– Your team started the match actively, but were unable to bring their attacks to their logical conclusion. What, in your opinion, is the reason why the game is not very effective in attack?

– The main thing is that our team manages to create chances. Of course, there are problems with implementation, but we are working on it. If there are chances, the goals will come. We are now creating a number of chances and have started to score. We gain confidence in our own abilities.

– There was a certain period of the game in the first half when the opponent dominated. Maybe it was even easier for you to play on counterattacks?

– Indeed, at the end of the first half the opponents began to play more actively. We put pressure on for 30 minutes and did not allow the opponent to calmly go on the attack. Of course, you can’t play the entire match actively, so it was necessary to take a few breaks. We can play from a position of strength and also on counterattacks.

– At the beginning of the second half, you literally hit the goalkeeper with your strong shot and opened the scoring. Share your emotions from your debut goal in the current championship?

– I’m happy that I was able to score, but the team’s results always come first. I will try to bring even more benefit to the team. I never celebrate goals, but I’m pleased. I get more joy from an assist. The main thing is that our team wins.

– How much easier was it for the team to play in terms of score? Did you understand that in such a game you need to increase your advantage?

– We continued to play as if the scoreboard was 0:0. They understood that YUKSA would begin to play more actively, so it was necessary to increase their advantage. You should never stop there when the advantage is minimal.

– In the 64th minute, Ari Moura, after a great combination, increased your team’s advantage. After this, were you able to breathe a sigh of relief?

– Of course, this gave even more confidence to our team. In my opinion, we played more confidently in terms of the score. I’m happy that we didn’t miss it and this indicates good game tone.

– This was the second victory in a row for Metalist 1925, and even without conceding goals. What was the first thing your team added?

– We began to understand each other better in defense. In addition, Varakuta has been helping us out in recent matches and playing confidently. They began to play easier on defense and it is bearing fruit. There is no need to invent anything and take risks, because you can get into significant problems.

– In the match against YUKSA you won a duel against the experienced Zozulya and the technical Gabriel. One of the best matches for you personally?

“I’m sure my best game is yet to come.” There are no ideal matches and you need to constantly progress and work on yourself. I also played well in previous rounds and this stability makes me happy. I still remember the match against Veres, when I played very poorly. He apologized to his teammates.

– How would you rate the competition in the current championship? Do you agree that group B is stronger than group A?

– In my opinion, we have a stronger group, because there is no such obvious leader as Agribusiness. It’s nice to play in such competition. All teams are trying to play football, not fight back. I thought that we would get through this championship without problems. However, it did not happen as expected. I think that the defeat from Mariupol had a significant impact on us. We respect our opponents, but we always aim to win.

– They call you “Kharkov’s Roberto Carlos.” Does this please you? Maybe it was one of your idols?

– I can’t say that anyone compares me to him. On my wife’s birthday he scored a goal in his style. It was just like a joke.

– After last season, did you have any offers from UPL clubs? Why did you choose Metalist?

– I have always been impressed by the coaching philosophy of Viktor Skripnik. I called and asked if there was an opportunity to join his team. I didn’t even think about money. For me, first of all, it was important to play and achieve results with the team.

– Of course, for Metalist 1925, first of all, it is important to finish 2024 in the top 4. Does responsibility for the result add additional pressure psychologically?

– This further motivates us, because we first want to prove to ourselves that we are capable of winning regularly. Our goal is to return to the UPL.

– Kharkov is now suffering from Russian missiles. What can you say to all the residents of this glorious city?

– First of all, I would like to thank all the Metalist 1925 ultras who are now defending Ukraine at the front. I also thank all the residents of Kharkov who remained in their hometown during such a difficult time. We always play for the club and the city. We want to glorify Kharkiv and return to the UPL.

BLITZ

• Born in Lviv
• Pupil – SDYUSSHOR Karpaty
• First coach – Vasily Ivanovich Levsky
• Favorite club? I follow Lugo, Sporting (Gijon) and Barcelona. I support the Catalan club.
• Favorite player: Andres Iniesta
• Goal in football? I want to play as much football as possible at a professional level.

Yaroslav Krokha