Oleksandr Petrakov: “Participation in the World Cup is a success for our country. Now the first task is to leave the group "

23.05.2019 18:54

Photo by Andrii Mayorov

The head coach of the U-20 youth national team of Ukraine Oleksandr Petrakov praised the readiness of his team for the start of the World Cup in Poland, where the blue-and-yellows will start on May 24 with a game against the United States.

- Alexander Vasilyevichplease tell me what are your expectations for the World Cup?

— The expectations are good, the team feels good. I would like to start my speech here in Poland soon.

- What are the strongest qualities you can highlight in your team?

— Let's just say it — we are a little able to play football.

- Why didn't Mykhailo Mudryk get to the national team's application?

— I understand where all this excitement about this artist came from. But as the head coach of the national team, I can say that he is not a player of this team, he did not play a single match, a single minute. He does not suit us in the style of the game. He has a team born in 2001, coached by Oleg Kuznetsov. Mudryk has good prospects in this team, he also has a chance to play in the World Cup. 

- It is raining in Poland for the second day. How does this affect training?

—  We are not made of paper, so we will not go astray. We are used to such conditions.

- What do you expect from the forum?

— In my opinion, for our small country entering the World Cup — it's already a success. Our first task — leave the group. If we can handle it, it will be good.

- You have already performed at the World Youth Championship. Can you compare your teams by potential?

— This is an ungrateful thing, I will not do it. Each team has its advantages, I worked with each for five years ...