The main task is the development of the players

– It seems that we see a similar picture from game to game. This especially applies to the development of our attacking actions. I constantly emphasise: if we cannot implement the attack, then at least we need to create problems for the goalkeeper and the opponent’s defence. We have to combine, shoot, give accurate passes, look for intensity, but we often lack focus or the right decision precisely at these crucial moments. This creates a lot of flaws, and we lose the ball. And when instead of finishing the attack with a shot, earning a corner or a set piece and giving ourselves the opportunity to calm down and recover, we make a mistake – then we have to spend a lot of energy to regain control. It exhausts the team. I do not want to criticise the players too much – they are young performers, for many this is just the beginning of their performances at the U19 level. Zheliba, Petruk and Zubrii are just blending in. But I want to see more passion from them. Mistakes are normal. But they should be logical, not the result of insecurity. Young players need to take the initiative, intensify the game, force the opponent to make mistakes. This is important for development. In training, I see how the guys give their all. Sometimes I even joke that Zheliba is our Rodrigo, because he looks very convincing during training sessions. But as soon as the official game starts, a certain stiffness appears. This is a point that we still need to work on. The match against Kolos was not easy – the opponent is serious, they are fighting for third place in the table. They have many players born in 2005 who train with the first team. They are physically stronger than us, and we should not hide that. Before the match, I drew attention to the fact that the opponent had a series of defeats, and our task was not to let them feel confident, not to let them dictate the play. And in this regard, the team worked well.

– Shakhtar U19 played at Sviatoshyn TB for the first time. Tell us why you decided to change the venue for your home matches?
– Firstly, we have a situation with a field that is currently unsuitable for full training sessions. We strive to play technical football, build a game through quality passing, quick work with the ball, dynamic decision-making, and it is simply impossible to implement these things on such a pitch. It is difficult for footballers to do what the coaching staff requires. Therefore, we made a decision together with the management: the pitch will be completely redone. While the work is in progress, we will temporarily hold training sessions at the Arsenal Arena. Although, it is likely that the surface will be replaced there over time. As for matchdays, as long as we have the opportunity and the main team is in Lviv, we will hold our matches at Sviatoshyn TB.

– In the next round, Shakhtar U19 will face their main rivals, Dynamo Kyiv U19, that are also the main competitor in the fight for the title this season. What will the preparation be like and what do you expect from the game?
– The preparation for the next match will be the same as for any other opponent. For us, the main task is the development of the players. If we manage to win the championship, great. If not, then after the end of the season we will sit down with the management and conduct a thorough analysis of the results. There are still five matches ahead, everything depends solely on us. The game may turn out differently, but we will strive to demonstrate our football. This is the only way we can achieve results – not only in terms of tournament competition, but also in the context of the progress of our players.