Oleksandr Svatok: "The championship in the USA is interesting, but the game differs from European tournaments"
During the Ukraine national team's October training camp, defender Oleksandr Svatok, who currently plays overseas for Austin FC in MLS, shared insights about his football and off-the-pitch life in the USA in an exclusive interview with UAF's press service.
— Let's discuss this new chapter in your life and career — playing in MLS for Austin. Have you gotten used to being part of a league that is perhaps one of the fastest-growing at the moment?
— I’m still getting used to it because it’s a completely different culture and league. There is also the language barrier, as I'm still learning English. But I’m adapting step by step.
— Does traveling back to Ukraine for the national team affect you due to long flights?
— It’s not so much the flight as it is the time difference. But one day is enough to adjust.
— How is football in the USA different from European football?
— Football in the USA is more open, with many counterattacks, while in Europe, tactics are more focused. The league is interesting, but the style of play is slightly different.
Photo by Dan Balashov
— How is your adaptation to everyday life in the USA going?
— I can’t say I’ve been surprised by much. Yes, things are different here compared to Ukraine: laws, and the mentality of the people. But there’s nothing extraordinary. It’s just a bit different.
— In the USA, people usually go to watch basketball, hockey, American football, and baseball. What about football?
— The fans are loud and vibrant, like at a show. While football isn’t as popular as basketball or American football, there are still plenty of spectators. Our home stadium holds 22,000 fans, and it’s almost always full.
— Are there fans similar to ultras in Europe?
— Yes, there are sections for passionate supporters. They cheer very emotionally, which adds a special atmosphere.
— Which away stadium and its atmosphere impressed you the most?
— I’d probably say matches in Los Angeles. The fans there are very supportive, and the atmosphere is special. But I haven’t played enough away matches to have a complete picture.
Photo by Dan Balashov
— Austin is often associated with the famous Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey. Have you met him? Talked with him?
— Yes, he visits our matches from time to time. We haven’t talked, but he has come to greet the team. In America, it’s normal for people to ask, "How are you?" He did, and I replied that I was good.
— Did you take a photo together?
— No (laughs). But there’s a club photo where he’s greeting the team.
— Can you name a few of his movies?
— Probably not, but I clearly remember his scene from The Wolf of Wall Street (laughs).
— What are your goals in MLS?
— I want to perform at my best and achieve good results. The league is very competitive. Yes, there are three or four standout teams, but even mid-table clubs have chances for success, especially with the cup-style playoff system.
— Before you moved to the USA, two other Ukrainian defenders, Yevhen Cheberko and Serhiy Kryvtsov, were already playing in MLS. Have you talked to them? Got any advice?
— Yes, we talked. Not much with Kryvtsov, but I’m in regular contact with Cheberko since we played together at Dnipro-1 and Zorya. Any advice? Nothing specific.
— Would you like to play against Inter Miami, which features several former Barcelona stars, including Lionel Messi?
— Yes, it would be very interesting to test myself against such opponents.
Photo by Dan Balashov
— Do you think Ukrainian players have a chance to make an impact in MLS?
— Yes, there are opportunities. While many Ukrainian players dream of playing in Europe, MLS is also a great option for development.
— In your opinion, is MLS a league for ending one’s career, or is it a place for growth?
— I believe it’s not just a retirement league. A lot of young players come here and develop.
— How do you see your future after finishing your playing career? Will you stay in the USA?
— There’s still a long way to go before that. It’s hard to say right now.
— The Ukraine national team has started a new campaign to qualify for the World Cup, which will be held partly in the USA (the 2026 tournament will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada).
— I hope the Ukrainian team successfully qualifies and shows what it’s capable of at the World Cup.