We managed to pull ourselves together and put things right
Friday, February 27, 2026
|
Shakhtar U19 defender Dmytro Strilchuk reflects on the win over Veres U19 (4-2)
– Dmytro, Shakhtar U19 secured a victory over Veres Rivne U19 in a tough match. What are your impressions of the game?
– It wasn’t an easy game. In the opening minutes, the opponents pressed aggressively, we made a few mistakes and, as a result, conceded twice. However, we managed to pull ourselves together and put things right. Fortunately, we were able to achieve a positive result.
– Shakhtar U19 conceded twice early on but turned the game around in the first half. What does that say, and can it be said that the team showed real character?
– After conceding the first goal, we realised that this course of events didn’t suit us, so we pushed forward, following the coach’s instructions. Then we exchanged goals, and after that we understood that we couldn’t let the opponents off the hook and had to keep pressing. In the end, we managed to come back before the break. I’m glad it turned out that way. Conceding first is certainly unpleasant and difficult, but we turned the game around, and that shows the character of our team.
– Your goal right before half-time, incidentally your first for Shakhtar U19, put the team ahead. Can you talk us through that moment and how important this goal is for you?
– Yes, it was indeed my debut goal for the team and I’m very happy that I scored in such a match and helped the team achieve a positive result. I’d like to dedicate it to my family. I’d wanted to score for a long time, and I really felt ready for it in this match, especially as the opponents were provoking us at times and saying that we had already lost the game. I kept quiet in response and simply focused on scoring. And it worked out: Balakai played the ball to me, and after assessing the situation, I decided to shoot. I’m pleased that everything came together.
– A decisive part of the season lies ahead. What do you want to achieve, both personally and as a team?
– There are many matches ahead, and Shakhtar U19 are targeting top spot and aiming to win every game. As for personal goals, I certainly want to contribute more in terms of goals and assists, as well as be as useful as possible to the team and help them achieve the objectives set.
– It wasn’t an easy game. In the opening minutes, the opponents pressed aggressively, we made a few mistakes and, as a result, conceded twice. However, we managed to pull ourselves together and put things right. Fortunately, we were able to achieve a positive result.
– Shakhtar U19 conceded twice early on but turned the game around in the first half. What does that say, and can it be said that the team showed real character?
– After conceding the first goal, we realised that this course of events didn’t suit us, so we pushed forward, following the coach’s instructions. Then we exchanged goals, and after that we understood that we couldn’t let the opponents off the hook and had to keep pressing. In the end, we managed to come back before the break. I’m glad it turned out that way. Conceding first is certainly unpleasant and difficult, but we turned the game around, and that shows the character of our team.
– Your goal right before half-time, incidentally your first for Shakhtar U19, put the team ahead. Can you talk us through that moment and how important this goal is for you?
– Yes, it was indeed my debut goal for the team and I’m very happy that I scored in such a match and helped the team achieve a positive result. I’d like to dedicate it to my family. I’d wanted to score for a long time, and I really felt ready for it in this match, especially as the opponents were provoking us at times and saying that we had already lost the game. I kept quiet in response and simply focused on scoring. And it worked out: Balakai played the ball to me, and after assessing the situation, I decided to shoot. I’m pleased that everything came together.
– A decisive part of the season lies ahead. What do you want to achieve, both personally and as a team?
– There are many matches ahead, and Shakhtar U19 are targeting top spot and aiming to win every game. As for personal goals, I certainly want to contribute more in terms of goals and assists, as well as be as useful as possible to the team and help them achieve the objectives set.