I’m satisfied with the result, and even more so with the performance
Monday, April 20, 2026
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Shakhtar U19 manager Oleksii Bielik reflects on the win against Polissia U19
– Shakhtar secured an away victory over Polissia in the U19 National League MD24 centrepiece game How did the match go and are you satisfied with the result?
– I’m satisfied with the result, and even more so with the performance because we beat strong opponents. Polissia haves a well-developed club structure, and their U19 side include players who feature for Polissia-2 in the Second League. This gives them a significant advantage over our players in terms of competitiveness, physical strength and overall development. They mature faster because they play against senior teams. At the same time, we also have players, such as Tsukanov or Smetana, who are on the first team’s radar. But those currently playing for Polissia U19 regularly get match practice in the Second League. We faced five or six players who have similar experience. However, I have no doubt that we are the stronger side in attack, and we proved it by scoring two goals. In addition, Tiutiunov, Lomaha and Balakai also had chances to score. We are also facing some squad issues: Petruk has been injured for three weeks, Tryfanenko missed the match, and Kanteh picked up a minor injury the day before, so he was unable to help the team in the game against Polissia U19.
– Shakhtar U19 showed great discipline, particularly in defence, and barely allowed any chances to be created near their own goal. How would you rate the defenders’ performance?
– I’m very pleased with the defence because in this aspect – which I’ve already mentioned – we were in fact on a par with our opponents in terms of strength and fighting spirit and didn’t allow them to create any danger near our goal, with the exception of the moment involving Kovalenko’s shot, when he hit the post. We managed to find the right balance between attack and defence through the coordinated efforts of the whole team. I don’t want to divide the players into defence, midfield and attack. At the same time, it’s important to understand that we have a core group, namely Tsukanov, Smetana and Bundash, from whom the younger performers should take their cue. When footballers born in 2008 or 2009 play alongside them, they feel more confident, and this helps them to progress more easily and improve their skills.
– Tsukanov was a standout performer in the match, his goal-scoring proved decisive. How would you rate the player’s influence on the team’s play and how important is he?
– Viktor is a very important and talented player. I think the whole country knows that. He is a footballer who works hard and deserves to see his efforts rewarded with results, as is the case now.
– I’m satisfied with the result, and even more so with the performance because we beat strong opponents. Polissia haves a well-developed club structure, and their U19 side include players who feature for Polissia-2 in the Second League. This gives them a significant advantage over our players in terms of competitiveness, physical strength and overall development. They mature faster because they play against senior teams. At the same time, we also have players, such as Tsukanov or Smetana, who are on the first team’s radar. But those currently playing for Polissia U19 regularly get match practice in the Second League. We faced five or six players who have similar experience. However, I have no doubt that we are the stronger side in attack, and we proved it by scoring two goals. In addition, Tiutiunov, Lomaha and Balakai also had chances to score. We are also facing some squad issues: Petruk has been injured for three weeks, Tryfanenko missed the match, and Kanteh picked up a minor injury the day before, so he was unable to help the team in the game against Polissia U19.
– Shakhtar U19 showed great discipline, particularly in defence, and barely allowed any chances to be created near their own goal. How would you rate the defenders’ performance?
– I’m very pleased with the defence because in this aspect – which I’ve already mentioned – we were in fact on a par with our opponents in terms of strength and fighting spirit and didn’t allow them to create any danger near our goal, with the exception of the moment involving Kovalenko’s shot, when he hit the post. We managed to find the right balance between attack and defence through the coordinated efforts of the whole team. I don’t want to divide the players into defence, midfield and attack. At the same time, it’s important to understand that we have a core group, namely Tsukanov, Smetana and Bundash, from whom the younger performers should take their cue. When footballers born in 2008 or 2009 play alongside them, they feel more confident, and this helps them to progress more easily and improve their skills.
– Tsukanov was a standout performer in the match, his goal-scoring proved decisive. How would you rate the player’s influence on the team’s play and how important is he?
– Viktor is a very important and talented player. I think the whole country knows that. He is a footballer who works hard and deserves to see his efforts rewarded with results, as is the case now.