Well-known Ukrainian coach, and now expert Oleg Fedorchuk commented on the current situation in the Ukrainian championship and noted some events of the 22nd round of the championship that took place last weekend.
Oleg Fedorchuk
— Did the March break in UPL affect the performance of the teams from the leading group?
— During this period, the national team assignments are not so vulnerable. The teams have gained momentum; the footballers are in good playing shape and, after international matches, easily find common ground with those who stayed with the teams. Of course, it is important for club coaches to be attentive and make the right decisions.
— In the 22nd round, all teams from the leading group, which had the most national team players, seemed to conspire and recorded their next victories. Were they all deserved?
— I think so, although the opponents tried to be tough. By the way, it’s nice to see that there are almost no straightforward matches left in the UPL.
— Then how do you explain the crushing victories in the 22nd round of “Koloss” and “Karpaty” over “Zarya” and “Chornomorets” respectively?
— I pointed out that there are almost no straightforward matches left on purpose. As for the mentioned matches, the players of Kovalivka benefited from the opponent’s player being sent off, and “Karpaty” took advantage of the fact that the Odessa team practically scored two own goals before the break. But this does not diminish the merits of the winners.
— By the way, this week the leaders will have quarterfinal matches of the Cup of Ukraine, and then important exams in the championship. Will there be rotation in the squads?
— Yes, but insignificant, because everyone is focused on the European cups and wants to go through this segment without losses. Moreover, in the current realities, winning the Cup of Ukraine brings more bonuses than even second place in the championship. Therefore, everyone will try to act as if they can’t do more both in the cup distance and in the 23rd round of the championship.
— Are “Koloss” and “Chornomorets” late with the dismissals of their main coaches?
— It is difficult to give a comprehensive answer; one needs to be inside the teams for that. However, “Koloss” is in a more advantageous position, as Ruslan Kostiushyn, who returned to the helm, was aware of club affairs and frequently attended matches involving Kovalivka.
Although, to be honest, I did not expect such a collapse from “Chornomorets.” Given their player roster, the Odessans should not be fighting for survival, but rather aiming for 7-8th place. This situation is due to collective miscalculations.
— Will “Koloss” and “Chornomorets” avoid direct relegation?
— I tend to believe so.
— Then who will be among the losers?
— The situation is so convoluted that I would not rush to “bury” even “Obolon” and “Inhulets.” Everyone will fight to the end and will try to jump higher than their heads. The same “Inhulets” is breaking all the stereotypes. Just judge for yourself: the Petrovites have to play away constantly, have conducted all preparatory stages at home, training on artificial surfaces, a whole group of leading footballers has left their ranks, yet it does not prevent them from being a source of unrest.
Andrey Pisarenko
