The mentor of “Oleksandriya,” Ruslan Rotan, who was named the best coach in Ukraine, commented on this recognition and talked about his team’s performance in the first half of the current season.
Ruslan Rotan. Photo — Yu. Yurev— First of all, I want to say that this is not my personal award, — said Ruslan Rotan. – This is the achievement of the entire team of FC “Oleksandriya,” which has worked fruitfully throughout the year. But if we talk purely about the coaching aspect, then here I am lucky too — I have wonderful assistants working alongside me. The best specialists in their positions.
I would also like to note the talent and diligence of the entire team staff. I am very happy that we have created a true collective, where everyone clearly performs their functions.
— What stands out for you personally about this year?
— Unfortunately, first of all, we must talk about the fact that a terrible war is going on in Ukraine. Given this, we cannot be satisfied with any success.
In professional terms, we have achieved something, of course. We performed well with “Oleksandriya” in the UPL, but before the very first training in the new year, I will definitely tell the team that this is already history and there is still much work ahead to improve. Of course, I will remember my performance at the Olympic Games for the rest of my life. But that is also history now.
— What was the turning point in “Oleksandriya’s” performances?
— The winter training camps. In spring, we became the team that could play at a high level. In summer, when we managed to strengthen the squad, the team became more experienced, and this helped in crucial moments of difficult matches.
— Did the newcomers force you to abandon your signature style and play simpler football more often?
— I believe that those specialists who constantly say that we have changed our style are probably not paying very close attention to the performances of “Oleksandriya.” Yes, sometimes we act more flexibly, considering the opponents' playing characteristics, but the requirements for the basic principles of play have not changed and will not change. In the UPL, many teams play defensively in a personal manner, and experience really helped the players make the right decisions in finding space.
— Name the most successful matches of 2024?
— For the fans, who we are very grateful to for their support in such a difficult time, these were undoubtedly the victorious matches against “Shakhtar,” “Polissya,” and “Kryvbas,” but if we talk about the quality of play, its intensity, I really liked the match against “Vorskla.”
Of course, I will remember for the rest of my life the victory over the Moroccan national team at the Olympics.
— You are the only UPL coach who made every substitution during matches this season. How do you comment on that?
— It’s the desire to maintain high intensity throughout all 90 minutes. It doesn’t always work out, but we try. Also, it’s important to understand that a team is not just 11 starting players. Those footballers who do not play that often are no less important to us; they create competition and a positive atmosphere on the bench. If I had the opportunity to make more than five substitutions, I would also take advantage of that.
— Your contract with the club expires at the end of this season, but there are already many rumors surrounding your name…
— Rumors are unavoidable in football, but I adhere to the principle that any matter should always be brought to a conclusion. And we have a rather serious matter.
— Will it be possible to keep all the team leaders in the winter?
— I believe that the club management, with which we have complete understanding and excellent communication, follows the same principles — and also wishes to finalize as well as possible the path we are taking.
— For which place will “Oleksandriya” fight in the spring — for first, second, third, or fourth?
— I will answer this way. We will fight to continue being considered a cool team with modern and diverse football. Before the vacation, our president, Serhiy Kuzmenko, thanked us for creating a great team together in a small town in 2024. I would like to add that this small town actually has a big heart.
So from my side, I want to assure you that my coaching staff will continue to work just as sincerely, inspired, and diligently. So that later we can thank everyone who values our work and also those who constantly criticize it and make us stronger.
Serhiy Dem’yanchuk
