Renowned coach Sergiy Kovalets, who spent several years of his professional career in Lviv, commented on the news of the unification of «Karpaty» and «Rukh».
— This news has become a real sensation at the beginning of the year, — he says. — It’s very sad that this has happened. «Rukh» has established itself as a very good team, known for its stability and showing quality football. It’s important that it was a Ukrainian direction of development. Yes, for the last four seasons, the «Rukh» squad had enough legionnaires, but in the autumn part of the current championship, there were only two — Frenchman Pluman and Brazilian Klayver. A lion's share of the team consisted of Ukrainian footballers, most of whom are products of Lviv football. And that’s wonderful.
— At one time, you had the opportunity to assess a similar direction of club development when you were at the helm of FC «Lviv».
— Yes. I recall that when I coached this team, there were also many Lviv footballers in it. At that time, only Ukrainians played in «Lviv», and that team was loved in the city. There were interesting derbies — «Karpaty» — «Lviv», which many fans still remember. So it’s very sad that starting from the 2025/26 season, there will be no more principled meetings between the two Lviv clubs. The derby «Karpaty» — «Rukh» after their last meeting in April this year will not be seen again. Although everyone was interested in watching such a uncompromising confrontation. Remember how in October, with an eight-day difference, Lviv lived through the matches of these rivals — first in the championship, and then in the 1/8 finals of the Ukrainian Cup. In both matches, the teams exchanged victories, demonstrating meaningful football to the delight of the fans.
— Do you remember if anything can change for the better in this matter?
— The management of both clubs has already discussed all the nuances. So now we hope that by strengthening with players from the «yellow-blacks», «Karpaty» will fight for high places, while «Rukh» will still be able to continue its performances in the UPL. At least, personally, I would really like that.
Andriy Pyssarenko
