Honoured coach of Ukraine Myron Markevych shared his thoughts on the rise of Ukrainian football in the international arena in 2024 in an interview withKomanda1.
- Myron, what are the reasons for such successes of Ukrainian football? Four of our national teams have made it to major forums at once...
- It is nice to realise such a success, which happened for the first time in our history. First of all, we must thank the players who were maximally mobilised in all the matches. The guys probably understood that in such a difficult time for the country, they had to go above and beyond. I am also sure that the teams played for our soldiers, among whom there are many football fans.
- What can the national team expect at Euro 2024?
- "We have a very strong team, although the Blue and Yellows made us nervous during the European Championship play-offs. But the main thing is that we achieved a positive result. Of course, Serhii Rebrov's men were under psychological pressure, and in such circumstances, players cannot always demonstrate their best qualities, but the team coped with the excitement. I believe that in the final part of the Euro, the Blue and Yellows will show a completely different football, better. I believe that the fans of the Ukrainian national team have the right to expect at least the quarter-finals.
- Our group at the European Championship is not the most difficult in terms of names. Do we have to beat Romania and Slovakia?
- I think we can compete with Belgium. There is nothing to worry about. As I said, we have to get out of the group.
- We have made it to the Olympics for the first time in history. This is already a great success. But is it possible to achieve something serious at this tournament?
- I'm sure that if the Olympic team goes to the tournament with the strongest possible squad, it can be a serious competitor for the tournament favourites.
- The head coach of the Ukrainian Olympic team, Ruslan Rotan, may have a problem with calling up players. Clubs may not let their players go, as the league may start by then and we need to prepare for the European Cup qualifiers. Besides, there are no UEFA or FIFA dates during the Olympics. What should we do?
- First of all, the UAF leadership must intervene in this issue. And the players themselves, who want to play under the flags of the Olympic team, must take the initiative, because such a chance is given once in a lifetime, and even then not always. This is a historic event for us. I think that clubs, especially domestic ones, should meet the needs of the national team coaches. And, of course, it is necessary to talk to representatives of foreign teams with candidates for the Olympic team right now.
- Shouldn't this issue be raised at the state level?
- I definitely agree. With the strongest team in the quadrennial tournament, the first for Ukraine, we can achieve a lot.
Sergiy DEMIANCHUK