Before the war started, Dynamo played a UEFA Youth League 1/16 game in La Coruña. The Kyiv side had major personnel problems, conceded quickly and found themselves on the powerplay. The Ukrainian team owned the game and territorial advantage, but the sharpness at the gates of the Spaniards was very rare. Dynamo captain Oleksandr Iatsyk was put in charge, and with a beautiful long-range shot he leveled the score. A true leader, a true captain.
Aleksandr Yatsyk. Photo: fcdynamo.comJatsyk is 20 today. He is already in the ranks of the first team. In the near future he has every chance to shoot and become a key player in the first team.
- You missed almost two weeks. How is your health?
- There was a micro injury after the match with Shakhtar, I twisted my leg. Had an ultrasound. They told me to rest for a few days. Doctors predicted that I would be able to join the general group after the match against Metalist. But I still need a couple of days of individual training. Now everything is good.
- In the youth championship Dinamo is 5 points behind Rukh. Is there still a chance to fight for the championship?
- We will fight as long as there is any chance to win. We should approach every game with maximum spirit and motivation. We need to watch our game, win every game and hope for a loss of points to the Lviv team.
- What will be the main factor in the fight for the championship?
- Team spirit. If the team is united, the players support each other and the coach, it does not matter who plays opposite. Any team is up to the task.
- In head-to-head matches against "Rukh" you have a defeat and a draw. What was the reason?
- I think we were a bit unlucky in a match of the first round in Lviv. I think the refereeing was a bit biased. They didn't award a penalty to Rukh in the opening minutes when the ball hit the hand of the home team player in the penalty area. We were given two penalty kicks. In Kyiv, we lacked realization.
- How would you assess the overall level of the U-19 championship during the war?
- The level has dropped a bit. Boys from the academies are coming in. A lot of young players in every team. When I started playing for the youth team, there was a backbone of players who already had experience at this level. That was the case in every team. Now more of the young guys from the Academy are starting to play. It is a general trend for all clubs.
- The U-19 Championship is a tournament that gives you an opportunity to shine, is it realistic to progress here?
- One without the other is impossible. The youngsters want to show their worth because they are taking their first steps at this level. The older guys need to gain condition to be able to compete in adult football. Those who cannot make it to the first team for various reasons must get match practice.
- You are one of the long-term players of the youth team, making your third appearance in the U-19 Championship. Do you feel additional responsibility?
- Yes. Me, Anton Bol, Navin Babe have to help the younger players. We should be not only leaders on the field but also in the locker room. You know, to help young players, to help them to adjust, to support them when not everything goes well. It's a common thing in football. At that time, I took my first steps at this level, and the older guys helped me.
- How important is the result for youth football?
- 50 to 50. Of course, I want to win, to become champions. But there is no progress without mistakes. All people make mistakes and learn from them.
- Last season Dynamo made a noise in the UEFA Youth League. Did you expect that you would manage to defeat Benfica, the future winner of the tournament?
- To be honest, I did not think we would be so successful in the group stage. We agreed with the boys that we would play every game to the end. When we scored the first quick goal against the Portuguese, it gave us faith in ourselves. As a consequence, we won four UEFA Youth League group games.
- How does it feel to beat Barcelona, Bayern, Benfica?
- It is a very positive emotion. We were all very happy. We realized that at this level we can go far and even fight for the trophy itself. The famous teams also have such young players. You can and should play with them. The main thing is to believe in your strength and work hard.
- By the match of play-offs with Deportivo we came up with a lot of staffing (without Brazhko, Nesheret, Benediuk, Bol and Voloshyn). Was there any fear for the result?
- No. We were not afraid of anyone. We believed that we can pass this team.
Of course, it is not easy to play without five leading players, but there are other players who also want to play at this level and get the opportunity to prove themselves.
- "Riasor is an iconic stadium for fans in the early 2000s, when Deportivo played in the Champions League with Valeron, Pandiani. It was the first time you played in such a big stadium and in front of the audience. What are the emotions when you go to a big stadium?
- My knees were not shaking. There was only one thought - to win. It was the first time we had played on a big stadium, there were 20 thousand fans at the match. We quickly adapted to it and started following the coach's instructions. We were not broken by the goal we scored in the first half, big stadium, Deportivo`s fans.
- How did you dare to shoot (Jatsik equalized the match with a beautiful shot from long range)?
- We started the second half in control of the ball because the opponents were left in the minority. It was the third time in the game when I found myself in the kicking position. The first two times I crossed to the far bar. My first thought before shooting was to serve. There were three opposing defenders and our forward. There was no chance. We had to shoot to the far corner. It went in.
- Where did you get such a strong shot?
- Working on myself. When I first got here, I wasn't doing so well. I didn't play much. I could sit out three games. I went out on the field and worked it out myself.
- At the beginning of the match Kyiv goalkeeper Daniil Ignatenko made a mistake. Wasn`t there a fear that he would "swim"?
- No, the whole team supported him. He knew he wasn't alone. Danya quickly coped with his emotions and became the hero of the penalty shoot-out.
- Against which team was it most difficult to play in the Youth League?
- The match in Lisbon against Benfica. The second game - Sporting are already in the play-offs. We had been without football for over a month, the war had started. We`ve lost the game spirit. There`s no point to talk about morale. It was hard to get ready for the match in Romania.
I remember how I went out on the field. There was confusion. All I could think about was that the war had started. Thoughts were not football.
- There were no chances in the match against Sporting?
- I would not say so. We played well in the second half. Our thoughts about the war were switched to football. We took control of the ball after the break. "It was very difficult for Sporting. If we had more time, we would have won (the game ended in the Portuguese victory 2-1).
- Many experts called Dinamo the main contender to win the UEFA Youth League season 2021/22. Did you feel you can win this tournament?
- We had the task to reach the final four of the tournament. As the tournament progressed we became more and more confident that we could do more. Our mentor Igor Kostyuk has already had a lot of experience in this tournament. We have a good squad. Someone has already played in this tournament.
- Do you follow the opponents you have played in this tournament?
- To be honest, no. I only followed Barcelona winger Ilias Akomac. He has not started in adult football yet and is playing for the second team of the Catalans. I liked his game against Dynamo. A very technical and fast player.
- How useful is the UEFA Youth League tournament?
- It is a great experience. Other attitudes, emotions, attention. The presence of the audience. There is a responsibility to the fans.
- Is there a problem that this season Dynamo was left without the UEFA Youth League?
- Yes. Young players benefit from such tournaments in terms of development. An opportunity to play at the international level with strong contenders is never superfluous. To be noticed.
- Igor Kostiuk. What is his thing?
- He never shouts. He has a reasoned approach. He loves his job and gives it his all. You can always go to him not only on football matters. Share your problems or get advice. He sees it all and feels it. If something is not going well with a player, he talks to him a lot. He tries to help. He asks questions, talks, gives advice.
- Kostyuk has been working in the youth team for six years. Is he ready to become a first-team coach?
- He can safely get his chance. We just need to wait for him. He will get the chance. This chance will definitely happen.
- The fact that Igor Kostyuk played in the midfield, helps you?
- He taught me everything. I have not played at supporting position forever. I played left winger and forward. Even under Igor Kostiuk, I started playing in the middle of the field.
- What are the modern requirements for a central midfielder?
- A set of qualities - vision of the field, passing, tackling, quick decision-making, attacking.
- Can you describe Kostiuk in three words?
- Emotional, sincere, demanding.
- A lot of talk about Samba Diallo. He speaks only French. What's he like on the street?
- There have never been any problems with him. A young footballer, only from another country. On the football pitch he can sometimes not control his emotions. It is difficult to communicate with him because he does not speak the language. Not many of us speak French. The boys had no questions for him.
- Has Samba changed after receiving an improved contract?
- For me, he remained the same as he was. Nothing new in his behaviour. Perhaps something has changed in Diallo's personal life. We are not so close friends that I am aware of it.
- In the summer of 2022, the Ukraine national team were one step away from qualifying for the U-19 Euros. They managed to beat Norway, the Netherlands and played out a draw against Serbia. Only thanks to the high number of yellow cards, you did not go to the finals in Israel. Why did you manage to perform so well when there was a war in the country and no matches were played?
- Volodymyr Yezerskyy did a very good job. We have been well prepared. We worked out every opponent. We have been practicing certain combinations. Emotions that have accumulated during the war, poured out on the football field. Everyone fought for his country.
The Dynamo players had at least some form. At first we were preparing for the UEFA Youth League match against Sporting, then we trained with the first team.
- Were not you upset that you did not go to the Euro just because of the large number of cards?
- Of course, it was not easy. We could have scored more against Netherlands and managed to advance due to better goal difference. We conceded in the first half. The coaching staff made a substitution at half-time, which immediately improved the game. Very soon we were on the power play. We scored twice and had more chances. In the last second Navin Babe hit the post. The ball flew into the field and the final whistle blew. Everyone fell to the turf. Gave everything they had to get through.
- You are in your third season in the junior team. You do not lose motivation?
- Not everything depends on me, but on the coaching staff. How much they see me in the first team. I try to work hard. Prove that I'm worthy of playing for the first team. If I need to play for the youth team, I don't see a problem with that.
- What is your status at the club now?
- First-team player, training with the team, living at the new base. I just play for the youth team to get the game practice. That's for the head coach to decide. How much time I have to play.
- With whom do you live on the base together?
- With Denis Boyko. He`s already an experienced football player. We can always talk with him, ask him advice.
- The training process of the first team and the youth team are very different?
- Yes. First of all, they are different in terms of physical exertion. There is more physics in adult football. There are mature players there.
- You have already debuted in the UPL. What are your impressions?
- Great. I think I can play at this level. I need some experience and trust, support, and everything will work out.
- In the summer we need to decide, either first team or on loan. You can not play in the U-19 already. If there will be a rental, do you think it will be a problem?
- I do not see anything bad in it. Volodymyr Brazhko, Nazar Voloshyn this season have been gaining experience in the UPL. The loan did them good. But I want to play for Dynamo. I know I can play for the first team.
- There was information that Kryvbas and Zoria were interested in you. Is it true information?
- I will not challenge it. The club decided so. Nothing else to do, but to continue to work.
- There was uncertainty after the start of the war. Were there any European teams interested in you?
- There were no official offers from the clubs from abroad. There were talks, I heard something, but not more... I have a contract with Dynamo. I am concentrating only on performances for the capital club.
- How long is your contract with Dynamo?
- Three more years.
- Are you satisfied with the attitude of the club, the financial aspect?
- Yes. There are no problems. The club treats me well. They hope that I'll be able to reveal myself. I have nothing to do but work on myself and thank my game.
- Who`s your agent?
- Vadim Shabliy. We`ve been working with him for two years. Now we`ve extended him for the same period. I am pleased with his work. We communicate with him a lot. We have a great personal relationship.
- Tell us about yourself. Who are your parents?
- My parents are very simple people. My mother works as a salesman. My father is in advertising. No siblings. My grandfather brought me to football. He is from Dnipro. He supports two teams - "Dynamo" and "Dnipro". My first live match was between these teams at Olimpiyskiy. The Kyivians have won 2-0. Since then I started rooting for Dynamo.
- Do your parents come to support you at the stadium?
- No. My father is not too interested in football. He was not very keen on me playing this sport. My mum was supportive. But she doesn't really go into details.
- Do you live with your parents?
- Separately. With my girlfriend.
- What European championships do you like?
- APL, Bundesliga and La Liga.
- Who was your role model growing up? Who do you look up to now?
- As a child - Xavi and Iniesta. Although, I'm a Real fan. Now mostly like Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric.
- Mircea Lucescu. Have you had any contact with him?
- Calls to talk. Promotes. Tells you what you need to improve.
- Lucescu sees at what position?
- In the supporting position. At the position of playing full-back, where Mykola Shaparenko played before the injury.
- Training with the first team. How do the old-timers feel about you?
- Everyone is supportive. They can say a lot of stuff when something goes wrong. But it's all in a good way. They help a lot, tell you what to do. It gives you confidence.
- What was the strongest opponent you`ve played against?
- At the training camp in Turkey, we played with "Maribor". Josip Ilicic was playing against me. Although he is no longer young, but it was very hard to act against him. We were 1-1 or 2-1 in my favour. Josip needs to improve his shape a bit.
- You've been to several first-team training camps. How useful is it for a young player?
- This is a prospect to get a grip on the first team. The first and second training camps were an experience. Now I have to fight for the first 18 or 11.
- What is the main thing in the transition from youth to adult football?
- Psychology. You should not break down if you fail, not to give up. You just keep working. Do your best.
- Dynamo rely on their own players. Is it a motivation for young players?
- All young guys are working hard, because they understand that everyone will have a chance. Igor Kostyuk says before every game that everything is in your hands. Those who were in the youth team last year have moved to the first team. Nothing is impossible. You have to work on yourself.
- How did you start and how did you come to Dinamo?
- The first team was DYUSSH-22. Then I transferred from there to Smenu Obolon. From there I entered the Dynamo system. At the U-16 level we were in a group with Dynamo, Shakhtar and Karpaty. In the last matchday we played with the Pitmen. We played a good game. Oleksandr Petrakov, who was then head of the Ukraine national team born in 2003, was present at the match. I got a call-up to the U-17 national team. Obolon head coach Serhiy Kovalets was also present at the game. The team then played in the First League. We chatted after the match. He invited me to train with the senior team. Then we had a holiday. After a week there was an option to watch me at Dynamo, where I stayed.
- Has anyone from "Obolon" made it to adult football?
- Alex Chidomere. He is now at Metalist. But he`s a year older.
- How did you work with Petrakov?
- I have only good words to say about Alexandr Petrakov. He`s a very good motivator. A very honest and decent man. He speaks everything to the eye. Petrakov played three central defenders. This scheme was not a problem for me. I understood the coach's requirements. Dynamo had two centre-backs. Petrakov had two centre-backs.
- Who are your best friends in Dynamo?
- I have a very good contact with all the guys. I communicate most of all with Nazar Balaba and Vladimir Shepelev.
- Why do you play as the number six?
- This is my favorite number. It`s mum`s birthday on that day. My mum is the most precious person in the world to me. When I was in the U-19, I immediately took the sixth number and everything went up.
- What is Oleksandr Iatsyk like off the football field?
- I`m more of a relaxer, I like hanging out with friends. I like fishing. I used to read more, now less.
- What is your football dream?
- I set a goal to go to the top championship and break into the national team of Ukraine.
Sergiy TISHCHENKO
