The head coach of the Ukrainian youth national team, Dmytro Mykhailenko, spoke about his team's readiness for the start of Euro 2024 (U-19), which will take place in Northern Ireland from July 15 to 28.
Dmitry Mikhailenko- How did the preparations for the European Championship go, and is everyone ready for the first game?
- As always, we cannot be one hundred percent satisfied. But the preparations went well, there were really good training conditions, we had a sparring session. However, unfortunately, it is the off-season, and the players started training again not so long ago. The guys have only been working fully for two weeks, of course, they lack the game tone. But everyone is in equal conditions, so we shouldn't complain. Every day I see that the players' condition is improving - both physically and psychologically, and in terms of how we want to show ourselves here.
- What goal have you set for your players in this tournament?
- To get into the top four teams. We hope so and will do our best to go as far as possible. Then everything will depend on our condition and how we play.
- The first match is against the tournament host, Northern Ireland. What are your expectations from the game?
- I am sure there will be pressure, there will be fans in the stands. Regardless of which part of the UK the teams play in, they are supported fiercely. There will be whistling and shouting, and we have to be ready for that. Just like we have to be prepared for any external circumstances, for the wind, for the fact that the Northern Ireland players will be super motivated. We must respond with calmness when we are with the ball, aggressiveness if necessary, pressing in every area of the field and being confident in ourselves and our game. Each player feels the responsibility and importance of the opening match in tournaments such as the European Championship.
- For everyone, the Euro is a holiday, but our guys start every day with news from Ukraine, as the war continues. Is this additional pressure for the team or additional motivation?
- We all live in such conditions, we need to get used to it and take responsibility. This is both pressure and motivation for us. Of course, we want this pressure not to affect the game, so that the guys still feel free to create on the football field. That is why we want them to feel motivated by this, which moves them forward, to victories, which is very important for Ukraine and for everyone who supports us.
- Today is the Euro 2024 final. Will the team watch the game?
- The Euro 2024 final is a tactical challenge. We will watch and cheer for beautiful football.
