Dmytro Mykhailenko: "For our coaching staff, this is an introduction to the team"

The youth national team of Ukraine, which will play in the qualifying round of Euro 2025 (U-19) in November, began a training camp in Switzerland on September 2. There, the blue and yellows will hold two sparring matches (September 6 and 9) with local peers. The head coach of the Ukrainians Dmytro Mykhailenko told the UAF official website about the current work.

Dmitry Mikhailenko

-Mr. Dmytro, howdidthefirstdays of the Swiss training camp go?

- Everything was fine. However, it took us almost a day to get to our destination, so the guys were a bit tired. However, they are happy to get together and work with full dedication.

- There are some players in this team who played at Euro 2024 (U-19), which has recently ended, but for the vast majority of players this is the first training camp under your leadership...

- That's right. For our coaching staff, this is an acquaintance with the team. Many of these guys I know only from video materials. So there is a lot of work.

- Is this the first and last training camp before the start of the European Championship qualifying round?

- We are planning to hold another small training camp in October, where we will have the opportunity to watch some more guys born in 2006.

-Can we say that this squad is close to the one that will take part in the official matches in November?

- I would like it to be as close as possible to the main squad. I don't want to waste time. I think that the selection we have made allows us to hope that this will be at least the backbone of the team for November.

- At this training camp, you will play two control matches with your Swiss peers. Is the opponent worthy?

- Without a doubt. I have information about the opponent, and I can say that this team is progressing. The Swiss play modern football, so we will have interesting and useful sparring matches.

- There are two months left before the start of the Euro 2025 (U-19) qualifying round. Do you already know something about your opponents?

- We have some information, but it's too early to get involved in this, now we need to concentrate more on our work and our players.