The head coach of the Ukrainian U−20 youth national team Dmytro Mykhailenko summed up the training camp that the team held in Turkey.
Dmytro Mykhailenko. Photo: UAF press service— I am very satisfied with the past camp, — said the coach. — This relates to all aspects of work: how the guys approached the training process and how the team played. I was impressed by the players' passion and their desire to show themselves in the best light.
— What do you say about the opponents in the friendly matches?
— We knew both Northern Ireland and Norway quite well, as we played against them in the final stage of the last European Championship. I have already said that the Norwegians made it to the semifinals twice in the last two final rounds of the Euros, so there is no doubting the strength of this opponent. The Irish, traditionally for the British, are a strong and resilient team. Moreover, they are a bit older than us.
— Our team won twice by 1:0...
— For me, it is not fundamentally important. Right now, we are pursuing somewhat different goals. We have many new players, we are building the game and preparing for the World Championship. For now, I am not looking at the score, but observing the progress in the actions of my charges. That is the most important thing right now. And I am pleased that we did not allow our opponents to create much near our goal. As for greater effectiveness, that takes time. We are working in that direction.
— Is there anyone among the players who pleasantly surprised you?
— There were players in the team whom we knew before, and those who came to the national team for the first time. And I can say that I was pleased with the team's performance in defense, which I have already mentioned. But I will not single anyone out, so that there are no hard feelings. There are also players who have significantly improved over the eight months since we last met.
— Is there already a plan for further work?
— Yes. We plan to gather in June, train, and hold two or three friendly matches. This will be the last gathering before the World Championship.
