Denys Antyuk assessed the performances of "Metalist 1925" in the 2025/2026 campaign

Midfielder of FC "Kharkiv" recalled the team's performances in the previous season - the team finished in fifth place in the UPL.

Denys Antyuk during the presentation of the new brand of Kharkiv football answered a question from RBC-Ukraine journalist.

According to Antyuk, the 2025/2026 season was played at a decent level, especially considering the fact that Kharkiv had just returned to the elite of Ukrainian football.

"A controversial season. We could have achieved more, but for the first season after returning to the UPL, I believe that fifth place is a decent result," Antyuk said.

One of the brightest moments of the previous season for "Metalist 1925" was the victory over Kyiv's "Dynamo" in the 23rd round. Ironically, the author of the winning goal in this match was Antyuk, who had previously played for "Dynamo".

However, the 29-year-old midfielder did not feel the anger of fans or former teammates.

"Dynamo fans didn't write anything to me, and I didn't communicate with former teammates from the Kyiv club after the match. I only talked to my guys, and we were happy that we won," Denis noted.

Among the most challenging opponents during the past season, the FC "Kharkiv" midfielder singled out "Shakhtar" and "Dynamo", as well as "LNZ", "Polissya", "Kolos", and "Karpaty".

Is FC "Kharkiv" aiming for a season without defeats?

Denys Antyuk noted that the team has an ambitious goal for the new season. But personally, the player expects productive actions ahead.

"The only goal is to win every match and do everything possible to achieve a positive result for the team. And of course, to score as many goals as possible," Antyuk said.