Oleksandr Kosenko: “Our fans wanted to look at the national team against the backdrop of the European champion. But you can do nothing, we will play in Portugal ... »

01.12.2018 15:01

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Futsal head coach of Ukraine Oleksandr Kosenko spoke about preparing the team for friendly matches with Portugal.

Blue and yellow should have been to hold two meetings with the current European champions in Zaporizhia. However, after the opponents' appeal to the Futsal Association of Ukraine matches have been canceled in connection with the martial law in some regions of Ukraine. Later sparring moved to the Portuguese city of Rio Mayor. The matches will take place there on December 4-5 (starting at 21.00 pm Kyiv time).

The mentor of our team is Alexander Kosenko, who summoned to games with the Portuguese 14 performers, talked about team preparation.

— How did the team perceive the situation?

- We are dependent people, and this is not our initiative. Of course, we were disappointed, because we wanted to play at home, there was a lot of excitement around the matches in Zaporozhye. The fans wanted to look at their national team against the background of the European champion. A lot of effort, moral and material resources were spent, but all was in vain. Yes, this is life, let's fly, let's play away.

— When are you going to Portugal?

- We leave on Sunday, departure about 15 o'clock. We return home on Thursday, December 6.

— Was it possible to summon all the strongest in the national team?

- Unfortunately no. Some players were injured, such as Serhiy Zhurba. But all futsal players called for sparring are healthy and will fly to Portugal.

— What has changed in Portugal after winning Euro 2018?

- There have been no drastic changes. At the end of October, I watched their friendly matches with Japan, both of which ended with a score of 1: 1. Regarding the composition of rivals for sparring, it is necessary to clarify some nuances. Ricardinho was promised to play.

— In the sparring squad Ukraine will experiment, whether the result is also intended?

- I always want to get a good result. But he is more important in official matches. However, in friendly matches you also need to play to win, because then what is the point of going to the field? The result should be the result of our game. No, we will not just stand up and fight back, trying to win - 1: 0. We will try to play, give an opportunity to prove themselves to both young and experienced futsal players.