Before the match of the Ukrainian youth national team against Luxembourg, 19-year-old midfielder Ivan Varfolomeyev of the Czech club Slovan toldSuspilneabout his call-up to the youth team, adaptation and his debut goal in the Czech championship.
Ivan VarfolomeyevOn his debut call-up to the Ukraine U-21 national team
- Yes, this is my debut call-up to the national team. I was very happy when I heard it. It means a lot to me. I think it's hard work, maybe someone saw it and called me to the national team. It will be a very great experience for me. I am very happy to be here and defend the blue and yellow colours. I set myself the task of giving my all on the pitch and doing everything possible and impossible to win.
On the team atmosphere and communication with other players
- I feel very good in the team, there is a good team, a good atmosphere. Everyone supports each other. I am very happy to be here. As for the coach's trust, we'll see how it goes. I know all the guys a little bit, because when I played in Ukraine, I met almost all of them in the championship. Of course, I know Kvasnytsia well, we played together at Rukh Lviv. Kvasnytsia is a second Mudryk, very fast, very technical. I hope he will help us.
On the tasks set for him by Unai Melgosa
- Of course, when I first arrived in the national team, we had a conversation with the head coach. He explained to me what he wanted me to do on the football pitch. These are normal things for a holding midfielder - ball selection, turns, game control. I watched every game of the national team, so there is nothing new for me. I watched the match against England, it was a very good game. Of course, it was a bit of a tough match, but I'm glad the team won.
About the Luxembourg national team
- We analysed this opponent yesterday. I can't say that they are a bad team. You can't help but respect them, so we'll get ready. We don't need to look at the first game, it's long gone. We need to concentrate on today's match and win. We are not even thinking about Azerbaijan yet.
On your debut goal for Slovan in the Czech league
- It was a match against Teplice in the Czech league. In the 11th minute, we were losing 0-2. However, the team did not lose heart, continued to play and at the end of the first half we were already 3-2 up. I scored the third goal. After training, I always stay and work out. I take 100-150 shots. All the guys were happy that I was called up to the U-21 team and wished me to score a goal like the one against Teplice.
On the support of fans in the Czech Republic and your family
- There are a lot of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic now, they come to the matches. They write to me before the games to ask if they can get any tickets for the game. I help them with this. My main support is my family, who are now in Ukraine. I'm a little worried about my parents, but I'm used to them staying in Lviv.
Orest Dyda, Yevhen Karanov
It will be recalled that the Ukraine-Luxembourg match will take place today at 20:00, while the Blue and Yellows will play Azerbaijan on Tuesday, 21st. Ukraine's youth national team is single-handedly leading the Group F table in the Euro qualifiers, three points ahead of England.
