Ruslan Rotan: “We are adjusting to the difficult cycle. We have a task ahead of us, and we have a task to do »

18.03.2019 14:26

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Head coach of the youth national team of Ukraine U-21 Ruslan Rotan on the first day March team gathering, which will leave for Turkey today, held a press conference at the capital's NSC "Olympic":

- Thank you to everyone who came. I say in advance - we are always open for communication.

— Ruslan Petrovich, how do you assess the level of opponents in the next matches? How can they be matched against Euro-2021 selection opponents?

- First of all, we will look at ourselves. Let's meet the guys, bring our requirements to the wards.

— Which club school in Ukraine is the strongest in terms of working with young people?

- It is no secret that most talented players choose Shakhtar or Dynamo. However, there are talented players all over Ukraine, in fact, all represent the Premier League. We watch everyone and are ready to cooperate with everyone.

— What kind of football will the "youth" play under your leadership?

- Our priority is to prepare the guys for the national team. We will strive for this, work, take an example from the main team of the country.

— Have you consulted with Andriy Shevchenko?

- We had a meeting a month ago. The head coach voiced all the requirements for future players of the national team. We have a direct connection.

— As for the legionnaires of the youth team - why Stanislav Bilenky was not included in the list called up players?

"We're watching him." I wish he had more playing practice. This is a good level player. Instead, this time we called other performers. For example, our discovery was Bogdan Milovanov. The team has a problem with the right defender, and we found the right player in Sporting Gijon. It meets our requirements, we count on it. We also heard good reviews about Bogdan from the coach of the Spanish team.

Maxim Rizier went through the youth team, has good qualities, plays for "Kosice". Potentially a player of a decent club and national team. Yevhen Serdyuk is a striker who scores a lot. Now he does not play in the first team of Boavista, but he has everything ahead. The guy has potential, we also count on him.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

— In our Euro-2021 selection group there is no clear favorite. Is that a plus or a minus?

- The group is equal and interesting for us. First of all it is necessary to understand that with such rivals it is necessary to show all our desire, all abilities. We are adjusting to a difficult cycle. We have a task ahead of us, and we have to complete it.

— Is Coach Ruslan Rotan Strict?

- I am not a dictator, I like dialogue with guys. At the training camp in Turkey we will communicate directly with each player. The boys need to understand each other and the coaching staff. The task of the coach is to reveal the footballer's talent, give him the opportunity to progress and get into the national team. For our part, we will do our best.

— There are only two attackers on the list. Is this a plan - is the crisis in position?

- If this is a problematic position for the national team, it also applies to the youth team. We have enough forwards, but the U-19 and U-20 teams are training in parallel, so we decided to set priorities.

— The players you've summoned include absolute rookie players — players who did not go through the youth teams. This is a bold move. Will there be a continuation, will there be new candidates?

- It would be better if all performers went through youth teams. However, we look at their current performance and readiness. We want these players to play for the national team in the future. 

— How do you feel about expanding the geography of youth matches? 

- I would very much like the team to travel all over Ukraine and hold their matches not only in Kyiv or Kharkiv. The conditions in Zaporizhia are very good, I would like to play in Dnipro, because for me it is not just a city. Lviv is a wonderful city with good support. However, the choice of location depends not only on my desire, but also on the negotiations. We will make the most of the opportunities that the organizers will offer us.

— How are the "youth" going to resolve issues with the captain?

- I would like it to be our joint decision - the guys and the coaching staff. Such a player must have a leadership character, good contact with mentors.

— We all know about the traditions that have developed in the national team. Will there be something similar in youth?

- I support such initiatives, but we met today for the first time. Let's fly to Antalya and already there we will decide what traditions we will have. And they will definitely be, because the atmosphere is very important for the team. 

— Do you have any excitement before your coaching debut?

- I will be insincere if I say that I do not worry. However, this is a good excitement associated with the new challenge. I really hope for my assistants and the guys, that we will be one family. 

— You will have the opportunity to experiment in Turkey. Will you use players in different positions?

- I have a positive attitude to universalism, but we will decide in the process.

— In what condition is Nazarin Rusin, who had problems with his hip?

- He is going with us, doctors will be watching him in the national team location. Nazariy scored yesterday, so he is in a good mood. And positive emotions help with recovery.