The well-known journalist Mykola Nesenyuk spoke about the possible future of the famous Ukrainian midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka.
"Yevhen Konoplyanka was not in the national team of Ukraine, which will prepare for the two European qualifiers in June. He is neither among the 27 players called up for the training camp nor among the five reserves. What happened? Why did one of the most famous Ukrainian footballers, who took to the field in an away match against England back in March, suddenly disappear from the sight of the still-unannounced national team coach?
The reason is obvious: Konoplyanka was called up to the main team by Ruslan Rotan, who this winter added the position of coach of Oleksandriya to his U-21 coaching job and soon took over the national team. At that time, Yevhen Konoplyanka worked mainly on the bench of Krakowia, a mid-table team in the Polish league. But Rotan saw his untapped potential and not only called him up to the national team, but also put him on the field in London at the end of a no-win, no-fail match against England.
Some might say that this game was lost before it even started. When our national team first found itself without a coach, and then it was led by Ruslan Rotan, whose coaching achievements have not yet been very convincing. But be that as it may, Yevhen Konoplyanka did play for the national team. Perhaps Rotan remembered the long-forgotten autumn of 2012 when he played alongside Yevhen in London against England. Back then, 23-year-old Konoplyanka scored an amazingly beautiful goal against the English and our team drew 1-1. It's hardly worth believing the dirty rumours that Rotan, after taking over the national team, decided to take his old friend to London to recall the good old days together.
And now? Now, in my opinion, Ruslan Rotan, as a decent man, is simply obliged to invite Yevhen Konoplyanka to the team he leads. It's not difficult - Krakow recently thanked the Ukrainian politely and said they no longer needed his services. Why not? The team from Oleksandriya will get a national team player who, together with Denys Miroshnychenko, who was also called up to the national team by Rotan in March, will lead the team to new achievements. Interestingly, Miroshnychenko's potential as a national team player also disappeared right after Rotan left the national team.
However, this inspiring prospect may be hampered by the decision of the owner of Oleksandriya. He may well be disappointed in the potential of coach Rotan, who suddenly spotted him in the middle of the current championship. We hope that it won't come to that and we will see Rotan and Konoplyanka in the same team. Not a veteran team - they will always make it there!" Neseniuk wrote on his Facebook page.