Ihor Khudobiak: «In Cyprus, very rarely does anyone ask how things are in Ukraine»

The former midfielder of Lviv’s “Karpaty” Ihor Khudobiak, who now plays for a third-division team in the Cyprus championship, talked about his life on the island.

— How do you feel about today’s Lviv “Karpaty”? What do you think of the squad? How do you assess the results?

— I’m following “Karpaty.” The results are not bad, in my opinion. After what happened in the summer when Markevych left the team, urgent decisions had to be made regarding the new coach. And it seems to me that now, after this situation, “Karpaty” look not bad.

— What do you think about Vladislav Lupashko as a coach? How do you like his methods?

— It’s hard to say because we are not familiar, and I do not know his philosophy in football. I just started following “Karpaty” and Lupashko when he became the coach. So far, it’s clear that the team is trying to show its game and his vision. But it’s hard to say now that this is already his team, that he has established what he wants to see. I think this is just the beginning of the process of forming the team that Lupashko wants to see. I think this will take a lot of time.

— Do you think we will see “Karpaty” in European cups in a few years?

— Yes, I believe in this, as anything is possible. If we take into account the current level of the Ukrainian championship, then “Karpaty” could qualify for European cups.

— The ultras of “Karpaty” are currently the most active in the Ukrainian championship, but many think they are making a mistake, as many representatives of other ultras are defending our country at the front. I would be interested to hear your opinion on this matter. Should you support the team like this during the war?

— I think it’s necessary. It’s an emotional component, a way to switch from the war, from hostilities. This is a tradition we have with the ultras. I don’t think it’s all ultras because many of them are involved in the military, repelling the aggression of the Russian Federation. It seems to me that there’s more youth among the ultras now, who are growing up and going to the stadium. Therefore, such support is needed.

— What do you think about the Ukrainian championship, is it progressing? Perhaps you are following some teams.

— Yes, I watch “Dynamo,” “Shakhtar,” “Karpaty” the most. I can say that it’s hard to progress when Russia has invaded Ukraine, there is a full-scale invasion. In such a situation, it is indeed difficult to develop football. I think Ukrainian football has somewhat stalled, perhaps even is not progressing, because the matches of our teams in European cups show this.

— What do you think of the level of the third division of the Cyprus championship, where you are currently playing?

— It’s like our second league, but the overall level of football is a bit lower because, you can say, they are even semi-professionals. Many players still work, have additional jobs, and we only train in the evenings.

— Are you thinking about ending your football career? Would you like to play in Ukraine again, to return?

— Basically, yes, I have thoughts about ending my career. I’m approaching 40 years old, so I thought about it this summer, but I received calls from the club, there were offers from three clubs, and they asked me to help again. So I decided to play a little more.

— From which divisions were these teams?

— Two teams were from the third division and one team from the second division.

— Do you plan to engage in coaching after your career ends?

— Yes, I plan to stay in football, as this is the best thing I can do in life and I certainly love football very much.

Now I’m studying for UEFA B coaching courses here in Cyprus. I’m also gradually getting involved in the coaching process. I coach a team of 14-year-olds here at the academy, in the team where I play.

— How do you like life in Cyprus? What are the specifics? How does it differ from life in Ukraine?

— It differs primarily in its climate. Another difference is that it is a European Union country. It’s very hot here in summer, and I think those are the biggest differences.

— What do people in Cyprus say about the war in Ukraine? Perhaps your teammates talk about it, ask, are interested?

— When the full-scale invasion started, they were asking, showing interest because their situation was very similar to ours, as Turkey occupied Northern Cyprus decades ago. However, over time, people have become less interested, now almost no one asks what the situation is in Ukraine.

— What do you do besides football now?

— Basically, I can go fishing sometimes, but mostly I spend my free time with my family, raising children.

Volodymyr Varukha