The 2026/2027 season in the Ukrainian Premier League kicked off with major events. In the first round, Lviv's 'Karpaty' secured a convincing away victory against 'Kryvbas' with a score of 4:1. Special attention in this match was drawn to the performance in the hosts' goal: 19-year-old newcomer Denis Marchenko made his first official appearance for the team. The goalkeeper not only took to the field but also helped the team keep a clean sheet, marking an excellent starting point for his career at a top club.
In an exclusive interview with Sport RBC.UA, the young goalkeeper shared his impressions of his debut, talked about working with the new head coach Fran Fernandez, and assessed his experience playing for the Ukrainian youth national team, which reached the semi-finals of the U-19 European Championship this summer.
Nerves and the first victory
Despite his young age, Denis Marchenko admitted that he experienced serious emotions before the match against 'Kryvbas'. For him, this was not just his first match in the UPL, but also his debut in a new club where high results were expected of him.
— There was nervousness, perhaps even more than usual. Because it's a new club and the first official match. I wanted to win and start the season well. It happened, and I am very happy, — the goalkeeper noted.
Evaluating his performance, Marchenko showed professional sobriety. He did not exaggerate his merits, admitting that there were episodes that could have been played better. However, he considers the overall result positive and sees it as a basis for further work on mistakes.
Spanish mentality and a new coach
The 2026/2027 season for 'Karpaty' was marked by the arrival of a new head coach — the Spaniard Fran Fernandez. For Denis, this is the first experience working with a foreign coaching staff, which brought new elements to the training process.
— It is very interesting to work with him, to learn new aspects, both tactical and mental. Therefore, this is a very valuable experience for me, — the goalkeeper emphasized.
Fernandez brings a European approach to the team, which, according to Marchenko, helps players see the game more broadly and deeply.
Experienced mentors and a young company
In the match against 'Kryvbas', an experienced defensive line stood in front of the goalkeeper: Myroshnychenko, Babohlo, Stetskov, and Lyakh. Denis admitted that playing with such masters is a pleasure, as it gives a sense of confidence and calm.
— Of course, playing with them is a pleasure. They are good players and good people, I hope that I will play many more matches with them, — said Marchenko.
In the locker room, the goalkeeper tries to communicate with everyone, but he singles out communication with young partners with special warmth: Sasha Dedov, Yuri Kokodynyak, and Vladyslav Reznik. They are united by their common experience of playing for the Ukrainian youth national team.
The next challenge: LNZ
'Karpaty's' next match will take place in a week against 'LNZ'. Marchenko has already analyzed the opponent, who previously met the Lvivians in the Conference League match against 'Gent'.
— LNZ is a strong team. Unpleasant in football terms. Organized in defense, and generally physically powerful. Therefore, it will be very difficult to play against them, — the newcomer warned.
From the Youth Euro to the adult UPL
In the summer of 2026, Denis Marchenko became part of the team that led the Ukrainian youth national team to the semi-finals of the U-19 European Championship. He considers this experience invaluable.
— It was a very cool experience to play in such an international tournament, representing Ukraine. I think we performed well, maybe we could have done better — reached the final and fought for first place. But I think that we definitely did the minimum, — the goalkeeper shared.
Answering a question about the transition from youth football to adult football, Marchenko noted that the main contrast lies in the physical strength of the opponents. Technically, many players at the youth level play at a high level, but adult football requires more power.
After the Euro, Denis had no time to rest: he immediately went to training camp with 'Karpaty'. Now he feels ready for the season and sets clear goals for himself: to play as much as possible, keep 'clean sheets', and help the team achieve high goals.
