Nikita Kravchenko: "Polissia sets big goals. I am interested here"

Mykyta Kravchenko is a right-back for Dynamo Kyiv who joined Zhytomyr's Polissia on a one-year loan with an option to buy. The footballer shared his impressions of his first days with the team.

Mykyta Kravchenko. Photo: polissyafc.com

- Imagine that you are now talking to the fans of Polissia, how would you introduce yourself and what would you tell them about yourself first?

- I don't even know how to introduce myself properly. I just want to say that I am the kind of player who will give his all on the pitch and play for the club to the last.

- What are your first impressions of the team? From working with the coach?

- I have good impressions. I know some of the guys, some of them I have played with in other teams. We had a good chat with the coach, and so far I really like everything.

- How do you like working directly at training sessions, because some of the guys praised your work with the ball. What do you highlight in training?

- You need to understand that there is a training camp now. Here you need to work with the ball and do physical work. Everything is being worked out together now, and everything is going very well.

- Who did you know from the team before you came here? Have you got to know anyone better and become friends with them?

- Most of all, I think I've been in touch with Artem Shabanov. We used to play together and have been in touch for three to five years. In my last team, Kolos, I played with Serhii Chobotenko, and I keep in good touch with him too.

- What had you heard about the Zhytomyr club before and what attracted you to it, given that it is still a newcomer to the UPL?

- I talked to some of the guys from the team, I had heard rumours that everything at this club is very solid and timely. And the club sets big goals. That's why I'm interested in being here.

- What personal goals would you like to achieve here?

- Personal goals? I believe that in football, personal goals take a back seat. But speaking purely about me, I would like to play more, have enough playing time and progress.

- Zhytomyr Polissia made a very loud statement in the First League, what do you think are the team's prospects for the next season in the elite of Ukrainian football?

- I wouldn't really like to name any places or goals right now. But I believe that everything will be fine. It all depends on us and the coaching staff, and we, in turn, will do everything to get the result.

- If Polissia were a comic book superhero, what kind of hero would it be?

- This is a difficult question. I don't really know much about superheroes, but I think it would be the Hulk, because he also wears club green (smiles - ed.). These are the associations that come to mind.

- Which teams were the most interesting to play with in the UPL?

- Now it seems to me that everyone has learned to play football, everyone is competitive. But, for example, I was surprised by Zorya's performance that season. Their game inspired a lot of respect.

- What football qualities do you have and what kind of football do you like to play the most?

- I think I like combination football the most. I think everyone does. Everyone wants to be on the ball, everyone wants to play and have fun. So I think I prefer combination and attacking football.

- What is the most important thing for a footballer playing in your position?

- I think you have to be quick, you have to be exhausting for the opponent and you have to know how to handle the ball a little bit.

- We asked our fans to ask you questions on our Instagram and I'm going to read them to you now. What style of play do you like the most and is there a player you look up to?

- I used to follow Dani Alves, I really like his style of play and his behaviour. As far as right-backs go, he's the one. I can also say, probably, about Maselo. Even though he is a left-back, he is also a phenomenal ball-handler, so I like him a lot too.

- Next comes the blitz and you can answer briefly or develop your thought: book or computer games?

- A book.

- Sea or mountains?

- The sea.

- TV series or film?

- I'll say film. Why? Because you spend less time on it.

- What are your hobbies?

- Sometimes I play a little basketball. And I'm learning a little bit about DJing.

- It's cool and such a creative profession may seem a bit atypical for a footballer.

- Indeed, but I like it.

- What music do you like the most and tell us what tracks are in the top 3 of your playlist?

- I think it's hard to say that right away and single out any three songs. Usually, I choose my music according to my mood. One day it might be one song, the next - a completely different one. But I really like Michael Kiwanuka. He plays more calm music. And so far I can't single out anyone else.

- The Zhytomyr fans are very warm towards their team and I'm sure they will welcome you. What would you like to say to those who support Polissia right now?

- Once again, the guys and I will do our best to make the fans enjoy our game, come to the stadium if possible, and cheer for us. We will not let them down.

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