The first coach of Ilya Krupsky - about his debut in the national team

Last Friday, 21-year-old right-back of FC "Kharkiv" Ilya Krupsky made a bright debut for the national team in a match against Hungary (1:0). But where did the future star fullback of the team Andrea Maldery begin his journey? Nearly 900 km away from Budapest - in his native Vinnytsia. A scout from the ukrfootball.ua website spoke with Ilya's first coach Leonid Melnyk from the Niva Sports School. They talked about childhood, rejection by Shakhtar, and the player's character.

– Leonid Sergiyovych, let's start with Ilya's debut for the Ukrainian national team. I'm sure you watched this match attentively. What emotions did you have after the final whistle in Budapest?

Only the best emotions! You see, this is my first student who stepped onto the field as part of the national team. For a coach, this is a special moment.

– How would you overall evaluate Krupsky's performance? Was the debut successful or were there some mistakes?

You know, the first coach's impressions are always warm and positive. Of course, if we analyze the game, there might have been some mistakes for a debut, there was a slight nervousness and excitement. But overall, for the first match at this level, it was just great.

– The head coach of the national team, Andrea Maldery, noted that the position of the right-back is currently extremely problematic, with many performers tried there. In your opinion, is Ilya capable of securing this position for years to come?

Knowing his hard work, tremendous patience, and desire, I can say confidently: yes. I saw his attitude towards work from a young age. He played on this flank since childhood. I've watched so many matches: in the youth championship of Ukraine for us, in Zaporizhia, in Vorskla, and now in Kharkiv - this is his rightful place.

🖥 Full version of the interview - follow this link