We didn't lose heart after conceding
Thursday, August 13, 2026
|
Shakhtar U19 head coach Maksym Malyshev shared his thoughts on the victory over LNZ U19 (2-1)
– First of all, congratulations to the lads on the victory! They did a great job, put in a huge amount of work, stayed focused and gave everything they had in this match. It was a tough game. The opposition favour a direct style of football, constantly sending balls forward, so they are an aggressive team, and we prepared accordingly. A very important victory. We didn’t lose heart or show any signs of nervousness after conceding, we stayed focused. It is precisely in matches like these that a winning mentality is developed, when you have to show character when behind or level. We had to convert a number of chances – then the scoreline would have been different.
– The match lasted more than four hours due to constant air raid alerts. Did this affect the course of the game?
– As for the prolonged alert, it was certainly difficult for the players, as the match lasted four hours. However, I stressed to the boys that we have no right to complain because there are people doing invaluable and much more difficult work, defending the country and us. It is thanks to them that we have the opportunity to do what we love.
– After Yan Zheliba’s goal, the team showed an emotional lift, and it was noticeable during the match that the players were working as a single unit. What does this indicate?
– It is very important to me. I’m pleased that when the boys score goals, they turn around and come over to me. Of course, we had previously worked with some of them at Shakhtar U19. I’m grateful to the senior players who helped us win, and to Oleksii Bielik for responding to our request and helping us. We have some personnel difficulties, and Artur Kuriachyi is currently unavailable, so we are waiting for his return – he is important to us. As I emphasised when I first met the team, the most important thing is the right atmosphere and moving towards a common goal. If we have that, the progress of the team and the squad will not be long in coming.
– The match lasted more than four hours due to constant air raid alerts. Did this affect the course of the game?
– As for the prolonged alert, it was certainly difficult for the players, as the match lasted four hours. However, I stressed to the boys that we have no right to complain because there are people doing invaluable and much more difficult work, defending the country and us. It is thanks to them that we have the opportunity to do what we love.
– After Yan Zheliba’s goal, the team showed an emotional lift, and it was noticeable during the match that the players were working as a single unit. What does this indicate?
– It is very important to me. I’m pleased that when the boys score goals, they turn around and come over to me. Of course, we had previously worked with some of them at Shakhtar U19. I’m grateful to the senior players who helped us win, and to Oleksii Bielik for responding to our request and helping us. We have some personnel difficulties, and Artur Kuriachyi is currently unavailable, so we are waiting for his return – he is important to us. As I emphasised when I first met the team, the most important thing is the right atmosphere and moving towards a common goal. If we have that, the progress of the team and the squad will not be long in coming.