The primary task is to regain the physical fitness
Saturday, January 17, 2026
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Shakhtar youth team head coach Oleksii Bielik reflects on the players’ physical condition after the break, the training regime and plans during the training camp
– Oleksii, the first week of the training camp is coming to an end. What are you working on and how is the training process organised?
– We are working on improving the footballers’ physical fitness, although we had to make certain adjustments due to the inability to carry out testing with a gas analyser to obtain accurate data on the players’ workload. Instead, we conducted the Yo-Yo test and we are using the results to build the training process. In the morning, we do running exercises, and in the evening, we have sessions with the ball, focusing on the volume of work in order to prepare on this basis for the loads in Türkiye with an emphasis on other components of preparation.
– The players underwent a medical examination and the Yo-Yo test before the camp. In what condition did they return from the break?
– I’m satisfied with their condition, as the footballers had individual programmes during the break; at the same time, I understand that it was difficult to follow them, given that not everyone was able to find a suitable area for running work due to the weather conditions. As for the treadmill in the gym, that is slightly different. However, as the Yo-Yo test and the first training sessions show, no player has fallen out of the training process. The lads are carrying out everything that was planned.
– This winter has turned out to be one of the coldest in recent years. Does this affect the organisation of the training process?
– We have fairly good conditions, as we are working in an indoor arena on a twice-daily basis. As far as I know from speaking with fellow coaches, it is very difficult to find a suitable training area in Kyiv. We are satisfied that we have the opportunity to prepare in the arena. Previously, we usually travelled to Türkiye earlier, but this time we decided that it would be better to carry out the running work in Ukraine.
– What are the key objectives for the players during the training camp?
– The primary task is to regain the physical fitness we had in the first half of the championship, and I have no doubts that we will succeed in this. Once we have completed this task, we will work on our playing principles and the components of building up from the back, pressing and attack development during the training camp in Türkiye. I also plan to add several new options to the team principles that were present in the first part of the season, so that we are awkward for the opponents and put them in uncomfortable situations.
– Shakhtar U19 will play a series of friendlies during the pre-season. How important are they for preparing for the resumption of the championship?
– Friendly matches are certainly important, as they allow us to assess how the team have gone through the weekly cycle, as well as to unload emotionally. When you carry out a large volume of work, it is demanding not only physically but also psychologically.
– We are working on improving the footballers’ physical fitness, although we had to make certain adjustments due to the inability to carry out testing with a gas analyser to obtain accurate data on the players’ workload. Instead, we conducted the Yo-Yo test and we are using the results to build the training process. In the morning, we do running exercises, and in the evening, we have sessions with the ball, focusing on the volume of work in order to prepare on this basis for the loads in Türkiye with an emphasis on other components of preparation.
– The players underwent a medical examination and the Yo-Yo test before the camp. In what condition did they return from the break?
– I’m satisfied with their condition, as the footballers had individual programmes during the break; at the same time, I understand that it was difficult to follow them, given that not everyone was able to find a suitable area for running work due to the weather conditions. As for the treadmill in the gym, that is slightly different. However, as the Yo-Yo test and the first training sessions show, no player has fallen out of the training process. The lads are carrying out everything that was planned.
– This winter has turned out to be one of the coldest in recent years. Does this affect the organisation of the training process?
– We have fairly good conditions, as we are working in an indoor arena on a twice-daily basis. As far as I know from speaking with fellow coaches, it is very difficult to find a suitable training area in Kyiv. We are satisfied that we have the opportunity to prepare in the arena. Previously, we usually travelled to Türkiye earlier, but this time we decided that it would be better to carry out the running work in Ukraine.
– What are the key objectives for the players during the training camp?
– The primary task is to regain the physical fitness we had in the first half of the championship, and I have no doubts that we will succeed in this. Once we have completed this task, we will work on our playing principles and the components of building up from the back, pressing and attack development during the training camp in Türkiye. I also plan to add several new options to the team principles that were present in the first part of the season, so that we are awkward for the opponents and put them in uncomfortable situations.
– Shakhtar U19 will play a series of friendlies during the pre-season. How important are they for preparing for the resumption of the championship?
– Friendly matches are certainly important, as they allow us to assess how the team have gone through the weekly cycle, as well as to unload emotionally. When you carry out a large volume of work, it is demanding not only physically but also psychologically.