Famous Ukrainian coach, former mentor of "Tavriya" and "Sevastopol," Sergey Puchkov commented on his appointment as the head coach of the Kyrgyzstan U-20 national team.
— My candidacy for the role of head coach of the Kyrgyz youth team was considered based on my work at "Muras United" (the leading club in the Kyrgyzstan championship, - ed.). The previous season turned out to be successful for the team as a whole, which is why I was offered a job in such a responsible position. I can say that I got a promotion. At the end of last week, I signed a contract with the Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan, which is valid for one year.
— What tasks have been set for you?
— The National Football Federation is doing everything possible for the number one sport to progress, develop, and reach a new level. All necessary conditions have been created by its leadership. Now my task is to implement this in every possible way.
— It is not uncommon for trainers to combine work in a club and a national team. Is this not the case for you?
— No, no combination is planned. I left "Muras United".
— How did you start working with the youth team?
— By getting acquainted with the football players. At the beginning of this week, my new charges underwent medical examinations and tests, and on Wednesday the team went for a short-term training camp. It is taking place on the shores of the famous Issyk-Kul Lake, where our coaching staff will continue to get to know the guys until December 24. In the morning, we jog on the sand - easy, without any strain. Then we go to the gym, where we work on our abs, "pump" our calves, and upper body. In the evening, the training sessions are held on the field - though on artificial turf. But that's okay. The program includes "squares" and playing through the net. And at the end, we play on half a field, after which the footballers can enjoy the pool and sauna.
— What's next on the agenda?
— We return to Bishkek on December 24, where the guys will be working until the 29th. Then the team will have four days off, during which the footballers can celebrate the New Year at home. On January 3, the Kyrgyzstan U-20 national team will fly to Alicante, Spain, where they will be training for almost a month. After that, we will fly to China, where from February 1 to 8 we will prepare for the Asian Cup among youth teams. Our opponents in Group A will be Australia, the host country China, and Qatar. My charges will play the first match against the Australians on December 12. We will meet with the Chinese and Qataris on the 15th and 18th, respectively.
— Is there anyone from Ukraine in your coaching staff?
— Yes. Igor Pokarinin is helping me, with whom I worked at "Muras United." In addition to him, my assistant will also be Valeriy Shapovalov, who previously worked in the coaching staff of Kropyvnytskyi's "Zirka" and "Inhulets" from Petrovo, who was the head coach of "Trostiants" last season. Besides them, I have two Kyrgyz specialists assisting me: Azamat Baymatov is the assistant coach, and Zakir Jalilov is the goalkeeping coach.
Vyacheslav Kulchytsky