On July 2 the Ukraine national U-21 football team will play against the French in the quarterfinals of the European U-21 Championship. Merited coach of Ukraine Myron Markevych shared his expectations from today's encounter:
- I am not being original in saying that our boys have a very serious opponent. And the fact that key midfielders Michael Oliseh and Manu Koné will not play for the French side due to injuries should not deceive us. The opponents have a long bench.
- But today, Ruslan Rotan, our national team's mentor, can throw in the most outstanding charges - Mykhailo Mudryk from English Chelsea, who has not played a single minute at the Euros.
- You know, we still need to think carefully. Yes, Chelsea's doctors, who specially visited Bucharest, admitted that Mudrik is fit, but on the other hand, he has missed a lot due to injuries. Still, Ruslan Rotan will have the last word and I am confident that he will make the right decision.
By the way, I think that the strength of the current youth team lies in the skillful 'direction' of Rotan, at the time UAF did not make a mistake with his appointment to this position.
- What would you advise our players?
- They have learned to attack quite aggressively, but, unfortunately, they are not blameless in defence. I understand that sometimes emotions get in the way, some lack performing skills, but today you need to be as concentrated as possible in front of your own goal. The French know how to punish for mistakes.
- Not only gaining entry to the top four teams in the continent is at stake today, but also a ticket to the Olympics, where Ukrainian footballers have never played before.
- Indeed, there is much to fight for. I think, as long as the chances are 50/50, and during the encounter, everything will depend on the attunement, fulfilment of coaching instructions, individual qualities and luck. I think that the opponents will not produce any good results, but I would like the Ukrainians to score one more goal.