The head coach of the youth national team of Ukraine U-18 Oleh Kuznetsov commented on the results of the draw of the qualifying round of Euro-2024 U-19, where, according to the results of the draw, the "blue-yellow" will meet with the teams of Slovakia, Kosovo and Malta (host of the competition).
Oleg Kuznetsov (photo: O. Maiorov)— Regarding past performances, the preparation for the elite round of Euro-2022 U-17, taking into account the situation in the country, turned out to be crumpled. Not all the strongest football players had to be called to the meeting. Of course, we remained dissatisfied with the third place in the group. But I am sure that if everything had gone according to plan, the result would have been different.
However, it is important that life goes on, so we will prepare with full responsibility for the qualifying matches of Euro-2024 U-19. Based on the draw, I can say that our group is equal. And even if the national teams of Slovakia, Kosovo and Malta do not belong to the European giants, I am sure that it will be difficult in every match. I believe that there is no favorite in our quartet.
As for training plans, I can't say anything concrete yet. Yes, in March we are planning to take part in a serious international tournament in Portugal, but it is not yet known whether it will take place at all. In theory, we would like to have a week-long selection meeting to review the candidates and play a couple of test matches. But, again, how everything will be, I think, will become known already next year... - said the coach.
