I want to score as much as possible
Saturday, December 13, 2025
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Shakhtar U19 midfielder Viktor Tsukanov reflects on the win over Epicentr U19 (6-0), goalscoring and holiday plans
– Congratulations on the victory! Shakhtar U19 secured a convincing home win against Epicentr U19 in the final match of 2025. How did the match go for the team and for you personally?
– In the first half, we didn’t fully execute the game plan set by the coaching staff, even though we created plenty of goalscoring opportunities. In the second half, we received additional instructions and managed to see the game through to a logical conclusion. Epicentr U19 usually play with a high defensive line, so we had to use through balls to the wingers to bypass their defence, get into shooting positions and create chances, and we managed to do that overall.
– You scored a brace. Recall those moments and tell us how important these goals are for you.
– In the first moment, I just felt I could take a shot, so I struck from distance with my left foot and hit the corner of the net. In the second, you could say I read the defender’s actions, who made a mistake: I intercepted the ball, beat the goalkeeper, and scored. Of course, these goals are important to me because I want to score as much as possible, show myself to the first team, and prove that I can find the net and contribute to the result. Of course, I could have scored even more, but I sometimes lacked concentration or was a bit unlucky.
– This year has been quite busy: you played for both Shakhtar’s first team and the youth squad. How do you assess your own progress and are you satisfied with the results?
– Clearly, the progress is noticeable. Even though I’ve been playing in the youth league for four years, I continue to improve each season. I also attended the summer camp with Arda Turan, where I gained invaluable experience and learned a great deal. Being with the first team and training alongside such professionals helps you progress every day just through that environment. It’s also worth noting that over 16 matches we dropped only six points, finishing the year at the top of the table and as the best team in terms of goal difference. Above all, it was important to go into the break with a four-point lead over our nearest rival.
– What are your plans for the holiday break and what instructions did you receive from Shakhtar youth team head coach Oleksii Bielik?
– First and foremost – just to take a break from football and spend time with my family and girlfriend. The coach also emphasised the importance of proper recovery and having time to miss football. Later, we will receive an individual training programme to ensure we return to the training camp in good physical condition.
– In the first half, we didn’t fully execute the game plan set by the coaching staff, even though we created plenty of goalscoring opportunities. In the second half, we received additional instructions and managed to see the game through to a logical conclusion. Epicentr U19 usually play with a high defensive line, so we had to use through balls to the wingers to bypass their defence, get into shooting positions and create chances, and we managed to do that overall.
– You scored a brace. Recall those moments and tell us how important these goals are for you.
– In the first moment, I just felt I could take a shot, so I struck from distance with my left foot and hit the corner of the net. In the second, you could say I read the defender’s actions, who made a mistake: I intercepted the ball, beat the goalkeeper, and scored. Of course, these goals are important to me because I want to score as much as possible, show myself to the first team, and prove that I can find the net and contribute to the result. Of course, I could have scored even more, but I sometimes lacked concentration or was a bit unlucky.
– This year has been quite busy: you played for both Shakhtar’s first team and the youth squad. How do you assess your own progress and are you satisfied with the results?
– Clearly, the progress is noticeable. Even though I’ve been playing in the youth league for four years, I continue to improve each season. I also attended the summer camp with Arda Turan, where I gained invaluable experience and learned a great deal. Being with the first team and training alongside such professionals helps you progress every day just through that environment. It’s also worth noting that over 16 matches we dropped only six points, finishing the year at the top of the table and as the best team in terms of goal difference. Above all, it was important to go into the break with a four-point lead over our nearest rival.
– What are your plans for the holiday break and what instructions did you receive from Shakhtar youth team head coach Oleksii Bielik?
– First and foremost – just to take a break from football and spend time with my family and girlfriend. The coach also emphasised the importance of proper recovery and having time to miss football. Later, we will receive an individual training programme to ensure we return to the training camp in good physical condition.