Vladimir Sharan: “The performance of our clubs in European competitions is the main disappointment”

Famous Ukrainian coach Vladimir Sharan shared his thoughts on the football events of the past year.

Vladimir Sharan. Photo — Yu. Yuriev

— What would you note first?

— I would mention two positive events in 2024 that stood out the most. The first is the performance of the Ukrainian national team in the Nations League, where our national team made it out of the group stage, and the second is Ukraine’s debut at the Olympic Games.

— Did the national team disappoint you more or please you?

— It can be said, 50 to 50. After all, there was no stability. Yet the main thing is the conclusion. And that was conducted at a good level and, thank God, Ukraine made it to the playoffs and will be fighting to go higher next year. As for the disappointments, it was the unsuccessful performance at the European Championship in Germany. We all hoped for a decent performance from our main team, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen. Everything was decided by the game with Romania. Hence the disappointment.

— Among all the participants who started in European competitions this year, two — “Polissya” and “Kryvbas” were eliminated early, and one — “Dnipro-1” has actually ceased to exist. Two others — “Dynamo” and “Shakhtar” continue to play, but not as well as everyone would like.

— Yes, of course. The performance of our clubs in European competitions is perhaps the biggest disappointment at the club level. This concerns all teams without exception. But there are objective reasons. Our teams have had a hard time because during the war, logistics became a problem. Moreover, our championship is experiencing not the best of times due to the uncertainty, and hence its level is stagnating. The teams have leveled out, and this couldn’t help but be reflected in the European competitions.

— If we take our internal competitions, what would you highlight first?

— The competition for medals has increased. Everyone realized that against “Shakhtar” and “Dynamo” one can play calmly and achieve positive results, even victories. It should be noted that our championship, compared to last year, unfortunately, has not improved in level. On the contrary, it’s impossible to determine a clear leader.

“Dynamo” looked brighter in the autumn part of this season and played more consistently for results. I also liked “Alexandria” in this competition. I watched almost all of their home matches at the Nika Stadium, and I can say that I admire the performance of the team.

“Kryvbas” has also significantly improved in the end, which cannot go unmentioned. Because at the beginning of the championship, the results of the Kryvyi Rih players were affected by their participation in the Europa League. But then the team picked up and gathered the points they planned before the championship. Therefore, “Kryvbas” is in the position they should be at this stage.

— A year and a half ago, there were many skeptical remarks about “Alexandria”'s performance in the spring part of the 2022/23 season, when the team drew 11 times in 17 matches. What can the Alexandrians expect in the current championship, and what would you say about Ruslan Rotan’s work?

— As for the outcome of the championship, it’s hard to say, as much will depend on the winter break: which players “Alexandria” will take and which ones they will sell. Therefore, of course, it’s not easy to predict anything. I can say that the club’s president has made the right policy. I mean, they brought in the right players. They may not be young, but they are experienced.

In my opinion, this explains Alexandre's positive results. Also, the Alexandrians have moved away from the so-called “Rotan-style” football. The team has become more pragmatic, playing more forward. Moreover, order has been established in defense, and there have not been as many conceded goals as we saw in the last championship — especially at the ends of matches. It was interesting to watch the current games of “Alexandria.”

— It seems that “Alexandria” belongs to the category of teams that pleasantly surprised you. Who disappointed you in the Ukrainian championship?

— It’s not just one team. This list includes Cherkasy LNZ, which changed coaches in the summer, but despite stable financial conditions, they did not achieve results. Also “Kolos” and Poltava’s “Vorskla.” From these three clubs, it was expected that they would all demonstrate stable play and occupy a position in the standings higher than they currently are.

— Who would you include in the top three best players of the UPL?

— Probably, first of all, I would highlight “Shakhtar” player Georgiy Sudakov. He had a more stable autumn period, even despite playing almost without substitutions. It is worth noting that the young man also participated in European competitions and matches for the national team. Although there was enough criticism directed at Sudakov. Nevertheless, he is a player of good level, and his efficiency ratio is quite good.

For second place, I would put the Brazilian legionnaire of “Alexandria,” Bezerra. He is a creative player, has good dribbling skills, and is not afraid to take on opponents. He also knows how to influence the course of matches, something he demonstrated in three or four rounds. For our championship, in my opinion, the Brazilian is a player of a high level.

As for third place, I have two contenders for it right away — two representatives of Zhytomyr’s “Polissya,” Oleksandr Nazarenko and Oleksiy Hutsuliak.

— What, in your opinion, could be the outcome of the doping case involving Mykhailo Mudryk?

— Oh, it’s hard to say. If the relevant structures that will determine the results of the re-doping test confirm the presence of a banned substance, it will be a shock for everyone. For both Chelsea and the national team of Ukraine. Because everyone was watching Mudryk, rooting for him, and waiting for his progress.