The head coach of the Ukrainian youth national team Unai Melgosa detailed the situation with Bayer forward Artem Stepanov.
— Can you comment on the current situation with Stepanov, and why he did not join the U-20 team this time?
— Artem received an official invitation to train with the U-20 youth national team as part of the preparation for this age category for the World Cup, but ultimately he decided to decline.
— Have you or the association been in direct contact with Stepanov or his club regarding this situation?
— Yes, as with other players in similar situations, I had a conversation with Artem before the start of this training camp. We were also in touch with his club.
— As a coach, how do you react to situations when a talented player is unavailable not due to injury, but for other reasons?
— Overall, I find it interesting to listen and learn the reason why a player declines to join the national team, as most footballers perceive this as a great and honorable achievement and strive to come.
— Do you consider Stepanov as part of your future plans for national teams of various categories?
— As far as I know, Artem is a player with Ukrainian citizenship and passport. Accordingly, he can be called up at any moment. And as long as this is the case, we will continue to monitor his development, as well as that of other players, for the benefit of the national team and the player himself.
— What message would you like to send to players regarding the importance of commitments to the national team at this level?
— I believe that being invited to the national team of one’s country is a privilege that not all players can boast of. In my opinion, it is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a footballer and contribute to the development of one’s country from their position.
On the other hand, it is not all that simple. Players do not have rest and must constantly respond to challenges and take responsibility for showing their best version at every training session and match. They represent not only themselves but the entire country. And living with that level of responsibility can sometimes be difficult.
Arthur Valerko