Oleksandr Yatsyk - about ambitious goals with "Kharkiv" and memories of "Dynamo"

Seven years in the "Dynamo" system, captain's armband in the youth team, and a debut in the Champions League against "Benfica" - that was the Kyiv stage of the 23-year-old midfielder's career. However, the player did not manage to secure a stable place in the starting lineup. Now Yatsyk is starting a new chapter in his career with "Kharkiv", where he is working under the guidance of Mladen Bartulovich again and aiming for European competitions with the team. In an exclusive interview with the website ukrfootball.ua Oleksandr Yatsyk openly talked about the reasons for leaving "Dynamo", Mladen Bartulovich's demands, Kharkiv's ambitions, the reality of training during air alarms, and a possible call-up to the national team.

📌 Oleksandr, let's start with health. The club reported your injury without specific details. What exactly happened and how ready are you to return to the field now?

I pulled my adductor muscle during training. After examination, the doctors said that recovery would take about three weeks. Now I have fully recovered, even managed to take part in the match against Bukovyna. So I feel good and believe that I am fully prepared for the match against Chornomorets.

📌 While you were recovering, Kharkiv defeated Obolon with a score of 5:0. Do you feel that you will now have to prove your right to a starting spot again?

Yes, of course. We have a very strong selection of players, and healthy competition is always a plus. So I need to work hard to regain my status as a starting lineup player.

📌 After the transfer, you said that you had not yet discussed your role with Mladen Bartulovich. What does he demand from you on the field now?

Yes. He wants me to look for continuation forward in almost every episode, play more boldly and sharply. He also pays a lot of attention to me being more aggressive in the final phase of attacks and taking the game on myself more often.

🖥 Full interview version - follow this link