I asked the boys to set aside their thoughts about the game against Bologna U19
Friday, September 13, 2024
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Shakhtar U19 head coach Oleksii Bielik’s comment after the game against Karpaty U19 (2-1)
– A very tough match for the team, as we expected. Of course, every coach wants to achieve a result with less expenditure of nerves and emotions, however that the way football is. If it was possible to foresee the outcome of a game before it started, I would prefer an encounter where victory is earned through character, especially before the UEFA Youth League, rather than one where it comes easily. We played against good, aggressive opponents with well-prepared performers. Before the match, I asked the boys to set aside their thoughts about the game against Bologna U19 and focus on the meeting with Karpaty U19. As anticipated, the match turned out to be difficult, and it is great that it ended with our victory. Now we will prepare for the meeting with Bologna.
– What is the main conclusion that can be drawn after the strong-willed victory over Karpaty U19 ahead of the first match in the UEFA Youth League?
– For example, let's imagine that today we could easily beat Karpaty U19, and in the UEFA Youth League, taking into account the previous results, we would be a little relaxed, thinking that we have already achieved something and can easily beat any team. But it is not like that. In the first half, it was clear that some players were not motivated enough, did not add speed to the team. I want to emphasize that it is impossible to defeat an opponent without proper dedication, motivation, speed and intelligence. In the second half, we regrouped and actually closed opponents in their half of the field. We began to move faster with the ball, the players began to interact better with each other, which allowed us to change the pattern of the game. I hope that after such a hard victory, the footballers will understand that in every game you need to do your best, regardless of the opponents. We have no right to lose points, but such matches before the UEFA Youth League may even be necessary for the team to activate properly. I’m always open to talk with every footballer regardless of his position, I want to help everyone, however, if someone puts himself above the team, he will not play.
– Rostyslav Bahlai saved a penalty in the second match in a row. Can it be considered a turning point?
– That's his job – to help the team. I’m grateful as we were one step away from defeat. At the end of the match, the boys, sacrificing their health, literally threw themselves into the fray to defend against crosses and deliveries into the penalty area. I’d like to point out that it was after the penalty save, at the end of the match, that the boys began to believe they could win, and everyone gave their best. It is good that the match ended with our victory.
– What is the main conclusion that can be drawn after the strong-willed victory over Karpaty U19 ahead of the first match in the UEFA Youth League?
– For example, let's imagine that today we could easily beat Karpaty U19, and in the UEFA Youth League, taking into account the previous results, we would be a little relaxed, thinking that we have already achieved something and can easily beat any team. But it is not like that. In the first half, it was clear that some players were not motivated enough, did not add speed to the team. I want to emphasize that it is impossible to defeat an opponent without proper dedication, motivation, speed and intelligence. In the second half, we regrouped and actually closed opponents in their half of the field. We began to move faster with the ball, the players began to interact better with each other, which allowed us to change the pattern of the game. I hope that after such a hard victory, the footballers will understand that in every game you need to do your best, regardless of the opponents. We have no right to lose points, but such matches before the UEFA Youth League may even be necessary for the team to activate properly. I’m always open to talk with every footballer regardless of his position, I want to help everyone, however, if someone puts himself above the team, he will not play.
– Rostyslav Bahlai saved a penalty in the second match in a row. Can it be considered a turning point?
– That's his job – to help the team. I’m grateful as we were one step away from defeat. At the end of the match, the boys, sacrificing their health, literally threw themselves into the fray to defend against crosses and deliveries into the penalty area. I’d like to point out that it was after the penalty save, at the end of the match, that the boys began to believe they could win, and everyone gave their best. It is good that the match ended with our victory.