Puma SCM

We approach every match seriously

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

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FCSD

Comment from Shakhtar U19 assistant head coach Oleksandr Alimov after the win over Karpaty U19

– First of all, I’m pleased with the victory – it is a collective effort. We prepared the lads for a very tough match, as we won 6-0 in the first round of the league and the opponents came highly motivated to take points off us. Karpaty U19 adjusted and played with five at the back, so it took us a long time to break down their compact defence and find teammates with the final pass to finish moves, although the build-up was there. We lacked either the finishing touch or the final pass, which affected our confidence. The opponents dropped into a low block, which forced us to move the ball quicker. Our attacking combinations did not always come off, possibly also due to the recent match, as the players might have been slightly fatigued. At half-time, we decided to adjust and refresh the flanks, placing emphasis on overlapping runs, as it was difficult to break through the centre. If there were more one-on-one situations in the first half, we used more crosses, found more space and kept up the pressure in the second. In the second half, I believe we pinned the opponents in their half, although we had warned the lads about possible counterattacks. I’m very pleased that we scored two goals and with how the players who came on performed, particularly Zubrii, who added pace on the flank and provided the assist for Kanteh. I’m satisfied with the performance and the win. We are moving towards our goal, understanding that an important stretch of the title race lies ahead. The match against Karpaty U19 was a key one, as its outcome allowed us to create a gap over the direct rivals, which has a strong psychological effect. We are ahead of Dynamo U19 in terms of points, but that means nothing and we have no right to relax. We approach every match seriously. This Sunday, we will face LNZ U19, who have made a strong start to the second half of the season and remain unbeaten. They are a well-balanced side, but we believe in our own strength. We are moving towards our goal and gradually getting closer to the gold medals.