Oleh Kozhusko commented on his departure from Kryvbas and shared his thoughts about Yuriy Verniadub and his former competitor for the position, Danylo Sosa.
Oleh Kozhusko (photo: fckryvbas.com)— Oleh, you terminated the contract with Kryvbas today. Could you tell us whose decision this was?
— This was a mutual decision between me and the club. I asked to terminate the contract, and Kryvbas was accommodating.
— Why did you ask for this?
— I just want to play more.
— Last season you became the top scorer for Kryvbas, but this year you mostly came on as a substitute, and your goal stats have significantly dropped. What’s the reason?
— This is football. Today one player plays, and tomorrow — another. This is not a question for me. It just turned out this way.
— Did Verniadub explain the situation to you?
— We had a good talk with Yuriy Mykolaiovych, and he was accommodating, saying I should be released. The management understood as well. We parted on good terms, and there are no misunderstandings or conflicts.
— Has Kryvbas settled your salary? Are there any debts?
— No, there aren’t. Everything is fine in that regard at the club.
— How would you assess your time at Kryvbas?
— Very good. It was almost two wonderful years for me and Kryvbas. I have unforgettable emotions and only positives left.
— After the winter break, Kryvbas started very unevenly: two losses to Veres (0:3) and Inhulets (0:2) and a draw with Shakhtar (1:1). What’s the reason for such a start?
— Of course, we shouldn’t have lost those two matches, but this is football. The level and competition in our championship are growing; the last team can take points from anyone.
— What did Verniadub say after those two losses?
— Nothing extraordinary happened; chairs didn’t fly in the locker room; it was a normal process. The coaching staff analyzed the mistakes that led to those losses.
— How did you manage to take points from Shakhtar?
— We endured a bit, played without the ball, but we didn’t allow Shakhtar to create many chances, and we took advantage of ours. In short, it was a standard game against Shakhtar. This was the kind of match we can build on. After this game, we should have victories. A draw with Shakhtar is a very good psychological moment.
— What is your relationship like with your competitor for the position, Sosa?
— It’s a normal relationship; there are no problems at all. I respect him. We have had no quarrels or conflicts. He plays, and I don’t. This is football, and it’s the coaches who decide who plays. I accept that normally.
— During training, did you defer to Sosa in any way?
— Sosa and I are different types of players. He is one who fights for the ball, while I am more about speed and getting behind defenses. The coaches choose a game plan and select players accordingly. I can’t say that one of us is stronger or weaker. Training sessions also differ from one another.
— If you asked for the termination of the contract yourself, I assume you already have some offers. Could you tell us which club you will continue your career with?
— There is an offer, but I won’t reveal the club's name for now. You will find out in a couple of days.
— Ihor Burbas wrote in his Telegram channel that you are moving to Bukovyna.
— Let’s wait a couple of days. The contract hasn’t been signed yet, so I can’t say anything with certainty right now.
— Then let me ask this. Is it an ambitious first league team aiming to move up to UPL?
— I will respond this way: I wouldn’t go just anywhere. At this time, I like the offer I have. I hope everything will be resolved positively within two to three days.
Andriy Piskun
