Famous Ukrainian coach Sergey Puchkov spoke about his work in Kyrgyzstan.
sergey puchkov news— Not expecting it, with my work at «Muras United», I gave the leadership of Kyrgyz football the opportunity to pay attention to Ukrainian specialists. To raise its rating, they started inviting them to Kyrgyzstan. Take, for example, «Muras United». After my transfer to the role of head of the youth team, Alexander Poklonsky was appointed as the head coach. Ukrainians worked in my coaching staff — in particular, Igor Pokarynin, Valery Shapovalov. My compatriots were assistants in the youth national team of Kyrgyzstan — Oleksiyhodin, Valery Palamarchuk.
— Is the level of Kyrgyz players so low that they conceded 14 goals in three matches of the Asian Cup?
— To be honest, the goalkeepers of the Kyrgyz youth team are very weak. To some extent, this is linked to the work of the goalkeeping coach, who, in my opinion, does not use the necessary techniques I rely on. My requirements for players in this position are confident footwork and the ability to give prompts to their defenders. Perhaps, in footwork, the goalkeepers appeared to be not bad, but all the balls they conceded were deflected in front of them. And that is unacceptable. As for the defenders, they did not meet the requirements I tirelessly communicated to them. Unfortunately, during the month and a half allocated for preparation for the Asian Cup, I could not reach the players' consciousness. They kept beating their chests, claiming to be patriots of their country, but they could not prove it in the games. It turns out they were only patriots in the locker room. Once they stepped onto the football field, all such statements ended.
— In that case, I would like to know: what explanation did the leaders of the Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan give for your dismissal?
— After returning from the Asian Cup, a traditional report on the completed work took place in the Federation. At such events, coaches of all national teams of Kyrgyzstan usually gather — from the youngest age groups to the national team. They asked me what specifically did not allow the youth team to perform successfully? And to help you understand: the goal was to get out of the group. At that moment, one could recall a phrase from the legendary Gaidai comedy, where the character Georgiy Vitsyn says: «You set unrealistic goals» (laughs). I responded to them as it is: how can a combat-ready team be formed in a month or even a month and a half? After all, I didn’t form it, I didn’t review candidates. I was simply given players — make what you want with them. Despite the lack of time, I, together with my assistants, prepared them both physically and tactically. I had to restructure the team, forcing them to play aggressive football — the same approach I applied in «Muras United», which allowed achieving a positive result. But I repeat: I could not reach the players' consciousness. After that, I realized that I needed to treat the youth differently. I learned of my dismissal a few hours after the meeting. I was called and informed: «You are dismissed from the position you held».
— The Kyrgyz experience seems to have left you with mixed feelings, hasn’t it?
— Absolutely. After the period of working at «Muras United», I felt uplifted and satisfied with the work done. After the completion of the 2024 season, I had thoughts about various developments I wanted to apply in the new championship. However, these plans could not come to fruition because of this very «rise» — the appointment as the head coach of the youth team. And that comes with entirely different feelings. It is a pity that despite the poor performance at the Asian Cup, the Football Federation of Kyrgyzstan did not realize that the issue isn’t with Puchkov at all. Any coach could not achieve results with these players. The problem doesn’t lie so much in the insufficient qualification, but in their spoiled nature. I do not understand how my predecessor could lead these young guys to this state over his two years of work. However, that’s another issue that does not concern me. One thing I can say: the «rise» in my career completely shattered everything.
Vyacheslav Kulchytsky
", 'Sergey Puchkov UA-Football.
