The winner of the 2019 World Championship as part of the Ukrainian U-20 national team, midfielder Maxim Chekh, who currently plays for "Obolon", recalled the details of the triumph of Oleksandr Petrakov's team.
Maxim Chekh (left; photo: uaf.ua)— In 2019, you were part of the Ukrainian U-20 national team that won the World Championship under the leadership of Oleksandr Petrakov. What are the main strengths of this coach?
— Probably, first of all, he is a motivator. With him, you can't relax for a second. Neither during training nor in theory. We weren't allowed to lose even in a friendly match (smiles). He made us give our all in every match. We thoroughly analyzed the opponent's strengths and played to our own qualities, on counterattacks. As it turned out, everything worked.
— Could Petrakov give you a slap on the head in the locker room?
— He could, a hundred percent. There was always a fighting spirit in both training and games. I like his straightforwardness. What he thinks about you, he will always say to your face, not behind your back. That is probably the main plus. Of course, sometimes it was unpleasant to hear what Petrakov said. However, as it turned out, he was right.
— What were the prizes for winning the World Championship?
— One million dollars was given to us for the team. Everything that was promised was paid.
Dmytro Vienkov
