Former Ukrainian national team player Adrian Pukanych shared his memories of being in the national team camp.
- You were first called up to the Ukrainian national team at the age of 19, and you played one game each for Leonid Buryak and Oleg Blokhin. How did the approach of these coaches differ?
- As a young player, I perceived both of them as legends at the time. We didn't see them on TV that often, but rather heard stories from our parents about their performances for the great Dynamo team.
The focus of their training was Dynamo's, which they had gone through themselves. As for communication with the team, Buryak had a more intelligent style, and Blokhin had a tougher one.
- Who is most memorable in terms of playing qualities?
- Of course, Andriy Shevchenko. Shevchenko had a great time, because he had just won the Champions League with AC Milan. Serhii Rebrov was also a top player. It was immediately obvious. Andrii Voronin was also doing well at the time.
- How did it feel to be in a team with all these stars?
- The best players in the country were in the team. During training, I watched them prepare, communicate with each other on and off the field, and realized that they were the same people. The attitude towards the youngsters was normal. However, they had to earn it with their behavior and work.
- Finally, I would like to ask you to tell our readers a legendary story that happened between you and Luzhny in the national team.
- Yes, it was my first lunch in the national team, and I came to the dining room a little early. Old men Anatoliy Tymoshchuk and Voronin were already there, and I asked them: "Where can I sit?" They said: "Sit right here."
Well, I sat down, started eating, and I feel that someone is looking at me very carefully. I turned my head and it was Luzhny! I saw that Voronin and Timokha were smiling, and I understood everything. I said: "This must be your place, right?" Luzhnyi was serious: "Yes, yes." Я: "I'm sorry, I understand." He took his plate and went to another seat. Everyone started laughing." (Smiles).
Dmytro Venkov