Former forward of Kyiv’s “Dynamo” Artem Milevsky shared his thoughts on the opening match of the youth national team of Ukraine at Euro 2025 against Denmark (2:3).
— Artem, how did you find the match?
— I warned and noted in advance to Brazhko and Vanat that Denmark is not an easy opponent. I worried a lot, cheered, but, of course, I am not satisfied with the result. During the match, memories flooded in — how I played at the youth Euro 2006, scoring goals. Ah, nostalgia. I really wanted our team to win today, but Denmark is Denmark.
Our team played normally, but we couldn’t achieve a result. Now we definitely need to win against Finland, and with the Netherlands — whatever will be, will be. I hope we will win.
— The first team released Vanat, Brazhko to the youth team, but they did not stand out and could not achieve a result. Why is that?
— I don’t like to criticize anyone, so I won’t do it. Everything has just started, and we have chances to progress.
— Right now, there are many discussions in the press that Melhos could replace Rebrov as the head of the national team in the future. What is your opinion on this?
— It is still too early to draw any conclusions about this person. Let him first prove himself in the youth team. I want to see some victories from our team at the European Championship. It seems there is a desire, but for some reason, we can’t achieve the result.
— Which player did you like in the match against Denmark, who would you give "Man of the Match" to?
— Of course, it’s Ocheretko. He provided two assists and was active throughout the match. I think Turan needs to think about it. Ocheretko can compete with Pedrinho for a spot in Shakhtar’s starting lineup.
— Are you ready to bet that Ukraine will reach the playoffs at the youth Euro?
— Not yet. Let’s come back to this question after the match with Finland (laughs, — note A. P.).
— You played at the youth championship in 2006. The Ukraine team under Oleksii Mykhailichenko became silver medalists. What do you remember most from that championship?
— After the match with Italy, when Chiellini scored against us in the last minute, Oleksii Sanych Mykhailichenko told us: "Yes, you lost, but I saw that you fought to the end. I believe everything will be fine with Denmark." He allowed us to have a can of 0.5 beer, and it brought the team together and added respect for the head coach. We didn’t let Sanych down, we beat Denmark, and I scored the decisive goal. I still remember the moment when Mykhailichenko runs joyfully and greets each player. It’s cool.
So, I wish the guys not to get upset, there are still two games left, and everything is in their hands and feet. We also beat the Netherlands. They are a strong team, but there’s nothing scary about them.
— Maybe Melhos also needs to let the team have a can of beer to bond?
— It depends on the coach and the team. We had beer 19 years ago. Today, it may not be customary to do so, and victories need to be achieved through something else. But in our time — it was important for team bonding. We will see. I wish the guys only good luck.
Andriy Piskun