Ukrainian goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvcov has returned to Girona’s squad after an ankle injury. Due to the injury, he missed six matches and was sidelined for approximately one and a half months. He is now training with the main group and preparing for upcoming fixtures.
Krapyvcov’s return is important from a practical perspective. The coaching staff effectively had only one goalkeeper available — Paulo Gazzaniga. After Livaković’s departure in winter, the Ukrainian became the only full alternative in this position. This reduces risks for the team amid a congested match schedule.
After recovering, Krapyvcov immediately joined intensive training sessions. He is working on reaction, jumping, coordination, and goal-line play. Special attention is given to workloads under fatigue and footwork.
During training sessions, Krapyvcov uses Brave GK Air — a model featuring 4 mm Supreme Contact latex designed for a stable grip and confident ball handling. The lightweight construction and breathable backhand are ideal for intensive sessions with a high volume of jumps, footwork, and reaction drills.
The main focus is goal-line work. These are reaction saves after shots from close range. Shots to both the lower and upper corners are practiced, including finishes after lateral movement.
A separate block is dedicated to jumping. Krapyvcov regularly practices jumps into the top corners using a one-leg takeoff. Exercises include fingertip touches in mid-air and controlled landings.
A lot of time is devoted to ball catching. This includes overhead catches, securing the ball after jumps, and receiving the ball after lateral movement. The main goal is clean handling without rebounds and quick distribution.
Coordination work is also part of the training. Running over low hurdles, short quick steps, and sharp changes of direction between poles. After these exercises, a shot on goal follows immediately — testing reaction under fatigue.
Strength elements are also included. Work with a medicine ball, resistance from a partner, and core stabilization exercises. This is important for dealing with crosses and physical contact with opponents.
Krapyvcov is preparing not just to return to the matchday squad, but to handle match tempo and full workload if called upon.
During training sessions, Vladyslav Krapyvcov uses Brave GK Air gloves. This model is designed for daily intensive work, not only for match conditions.
The 4 mm Supreme Contact latex palm provides a stable grip during close-range shots and when catching the ball after jumps. This is essential in reaction and ball-handling drills, which are frequent in his training program.
The Rollfinger cut increases the contact surface with the ball. The glove fits tightly on the fingers and does not shift during sharp movements. The Fix Fit system with silicone inserts further stabilizes the hand inside the glove.
The backhand is made with breathable mesh. This reduces hand overheating during long sessions that include hurdles, jumps, footwork, and consecutive shots. In such conditions, the gloves remain lightweight and do not restrict movement.
Brave GK Air gloves are suitable for training in various weather conditions. The latex maintains grip on wet surfaces and during rain, which is important in winter and spring match cycles.
After Vladyslav Krapyvcov’s return, Girona’s coaching staff once again has a full selection at the goalkeeper position. Paulo Gazzaniga remains the first choice, but the Ukrainian goalkeeper is now ready to be included in the squad and take the field at any moment.
Girona faces a dense and challenging part of the season. In the coming weeks, the team will play against Getafe, Real Oviedo, Sevilla, and Barcelona. These are followed by matches against Alavés, Celta, Levante, Atlético, Osasuna, and Villarreal. Most fixtures are scheduled with short breaks between rounds. For Krapyvcov, this means regular inclusion in matchday squads and real chances to get playing time — in cup matches, rotations, or emergency situations.
