"The level has dropped, but the intensity has grown" - Dmytro Chygrynskiy about the UPL

Shakhtar Donetsk newcomer Dmytro Chygrynskiy said what he thinks about the level of the Ukrainian championship held under war conditions.

"I have been following both the Ukrainian championship and our teams playing in the European cups. It is clear that before the full-scale war started, football in Ukraine was already reaching a fairly high level. Last year's championship was simply heroic, thanks to God, thanks to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and our army. I think it was a very important decision. Everyone benefited from it - the national team, clubs and players.

As for the level, it was obvious that it would fall, because the vast majority of foreigners left the team. But if you look at it from the other side, it was a great opportunity for young Ukrainian players to get their chance in big football, to take leading roles in the teams. It was the first such championship and it was successfully conducted. Now, I think, everything looks much better, given the investment in football, the composition of the teams, the organisation.

My impression is that the level has dropped due to the departure of quality foreigners, but the intensity has increased due to the arrival of young players who are fast, physical, ambitious. These players will add and the level of the championship will rise. Plus, teams are starting to strengthen - to invite quality Ukrainian players and players from abroad. Everything is moving in the right direction, and I believe that Ukrainian football will be at a high level," Chygrynskiy said.