On the eve of the start of the training camp in Turkey, during which the youth team of Ukraine plans to play two friendly matches, the head coach of the team Unai Melgosa spoke with journalists.
Unai Melgosa (photo: A. Yushchak)— Unai, how do you feel after three days in the national team camp of Ukraine?
— I feel very good. We have worked a lot here together with the coaching staff and players. I believe that this camp has become an important stage for all footballers under 21 years old. For me, it was also a valuable experience as a coach. It is a continuation of the work within our large project.
— What is the main goal of this camp for the young players?
— I will repeat myself, this is part of our large project that we are implementing in national teams of different ages. This is not about separate categories of players — U-21, U-19 or the main team. The primary goal is to help the Ukrainian national team during the additional training days we have before the official FIFA matches. The second goal is to give young players the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the senior team, to see how the main team works. It is important for them to understand that there is a close connection between all levels of the Ukraine national teams.
— Are you satisfied with what you saw during the camp?
— Yes. I think everyone working here is trying to make their contribution — both players and coaches and all staff. Everyone is trying to help each other, to create the best conditions for the national team to progress. I have already worked with Serhiy Rebrov and know his approach, but now he is even more immersed in his work. We communicate regularly throughout the year, but when you work together directly on the field, it gives even more understanding.
— Has Serhiy Rebrov spoken to you about potential newcomers for the national team?
— We have very good communication, we talk every week. We discuss not only the first team but also the youth categories, U-15, U-17, etc. He asks for my opinion, shares his vision. We really have excellent working relationships.
— What is the main goal of the next camp for the youth team?
— U-21 is a stage of development. Of course, players never stop learning, but this age is particularly important. We need to help them grow not only as footballers but also as athletes in general. We do not think only about the next match, but we work for the future. We analyze what we have managed to improve since the last camp and what still needs work. There are also individual goals — each player must receive everything necessary for development.
— Is the result of the friendly matches in Turkey important?
— Results are always important, but they are only part of the process. I know the responsibility that is on us, so we strive to win. However, for me, the most important thing is the progress of the footballers. I evaluate them not just by a single match, but by long-term development. For example, if we compare how they played at the beginning of 2023 and how they look now, that is the main indicator for me.
— What are the strengths and weaknesses of your youth national team of Ukraine?
— We are disciplined, have good technical training and football understanding. The team is progressing, and we are trying to use our strengths. As for weaknesses, we need to work on actions in the penalty areas. This is a typical problem for Ukrainian football. It is also important for players to believe in themselves more. In some moments, we lack confidence to step forward. If we change this mentally, the team will become even stronger.
— Why did you decide to hold a joint camp for the U-21 and U-20 teams?
— I do not want the teams to exist as separate entities. We have a joint project, and it is important for me to see players of different age categories together. This allows us to evaluate who is ready to take a step forward. I will repeat, it is important for footballers to understand that there is a connection between all levels of the national teams.
— How often do you think about the final stage of the European Championship?
— Of course, I have that in mind, but the most important thing is to focus on the present. I try to convey this to the guys: if you think only about the future, you can lose control of the current situation. Right now, we worked at this camp, tomorrow we will work at the next one, and only then we will think about Euro.
— Do you have a dream?
— I have many dreams, especially while sleeping (laughs). The most important thing for me is to do my job right so that everyone around me can develop. This is my main goal. As for other dreams — we need to work, fight, and move forward.
We remind that the youth national team of Ukraine, as part of the preparation for the final tournament of Euro-2025 U-21, will hold a training camp in Turkey, which will start on the 17th and last until the 25th. During this camp, the "blue-yellows" will play two friendly matches with their peers: on the 21st — with Slovenia and on the 25th — with Poland.
