The Kyiv Dynamo academy graduate, 18-year-old forward Bohdan Popov, commented on his successful season start with the Italian club Empoli, as well as the interest in him from the Serie A club Atalanta.
Bohdan Popov— Bohdan, congratulations on the successful performance of the Ukrainian U-19 national team in the first round of qualification for Euro 2026. How would you comment on this result—three decisive wins in three matches?
— Thank you. Of course, we are pleased. We won all three matches without conceding a single goal. I think we looked decent and quite balanced as a team.
— Are you personally satisfied with your performance and scoring in these three matches?
— You always want more, more chances. But overall, the mood is positive.
— How do you find working under the head coach of the Ukrainian youth team, Dmytro Mykhailenko? What instructions did he give you personally before the matches?
— Very satisfied, I have no problems. The coaching staff works very cohesively. The instructions depended on the situation; generally, we communicated a lot.
The team has a very good atmosphere, the guys are friendly. I enjoyed the communication.
— You’ve scored five goals in ten starting matches for Empoli this season. How do you assess the season’s start for the team and for yourself personally?
— Definitely satisfied. I think, for me personally, the start has been quite good. But the initial emotions have passed, and I understand I need to keep working.
As for the team, we certainly hoped for more, but there’s still time. I hope we will improve.
— You started the season as a regular starter for Empoli, but then spent two matches on the bench and only came on as a substitute in others, although you scored four goals in the first three rounds. Was this a coaching decision or did you have some injury?
— In Serie B, not many players my age start in the lineup, the competition is very high. We use different tactical schemes against various opponents.
Maybe the coach saw another player in my position. I’m not worried, confident in myself, and continue working. By the way, in the last match before leaving for the national team, I started again.
— In the last match for Empoli, you received two yellow cards and left the team in minority. Is this related to your maximum intensity of play and fighting for every moment?
— Of course, my intensity and desire were at their maximum. I understand I need to be more attentive, but these were game situations. After the match, there were many supportive and understanding comments. Many saw my actions as a genuine desire to fight in every situation.
— How can you comment on the interest in you from the Serie A club Atalanta?
— That’s a question for my manager Andriy Golovash. He handles all my affairs.
Andriy Kaplun
