Ruslan Rotan: «Sooner or later our work will bear fruit»

05.12.2019 16:02

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In the qualifying tournament for Euro-2021 (U-21), the youth national team of Ukraine ended the year in fourth place, which, of course, was not part of the coaching staff's plans. Head coach Ruslan Rotan spoke about the reasons for such results.

- Of course, we are not satisfied with the current situation of the team in the selection, - said Ruslan Petrovich. - We expected more. I assumed that in the course of the qualifying tournament we would face some difficulties, although not to the extent that it turned out. But don't worry, we will not deviate from our path, and I am sure that sooner or later the work will bear fruit.

- Last year you reviewed 45 candidates for the youth team. To be continued?

- So. Our coaching staff tries to cover as many guys as possible who could be useful to the youth team. And I have no doubt that they are.

- Did all the players you invited work to the maximum?

- There were difficulties with it. I will not name names, but I told some guys that they should pay attention to their work in the first place. No footballer has ever achieved success in big football without making an effort.

- Just before the start of the selection, the youth team was replenished with U-20 world champions ...

- Many guys probably had a football oversaturation. Some were tired, some calmed down, and all this affected the results of the youth team. I did not take this moment into account. Therefore, he wished the players a good rest and rethink their work. This, by the way, applies not only to world champions, but also to some older players. But if someone doesn't like it, we are out of the way with them. Playing for the youth, youth or national team is a responsibility to the whole country, so our team will no longer have someone serving a number.

- In the current qualifying tournament, the youngster suffered three defeats. Which one was the most annoying?

- In the match with the Romanians. It was the first match in which we lost on goal moments. It seemed to me that the guys froze in front of the opponent. Well, you can remember the first half of the meeting with the Danes. In other matches, I think our team looked decent, beating opponents in all respects. Naturally, at the finish everyone looks at the scoreboard, and the result, unfortunately, has not yet come to us. But in any case, we and the team have to fix it.

- Would you exchange the success of the tournament in Turkey and the Tournament of Valery Lobanovsky for the best performance in the selection?

- I would not like to make this kind of comparison. Just a well-organized UAF meeting, which led to these victories, took place in one breath. The wards pleased me with their attitude to the case and understanding of the football that the coaching staff demanded of them.

- What should be added to the players who were called up to the youth team?

- There is no one component. Some people lack skill, but the main problem, in my opinion, is the lack of playing practice in the first teams of most of our performers. However, the coaching staff believes in them, we see potential in the guys.

- Given the tournament situation, aren't you going to give up?

- By no means. If there is even the slightest chance to take the right place, we will fight for it.

- Who is on horseback now is the national team of Ukraine ...

- It is very nice to watch Andriy Shevchenko's team. I always cite the main team of the country as an example to my wards. She rightfully won first place in her selection group. And this result was achieved by the team through understanding and clear implementation of coaching instructions. The youth team still needs to be added in this regard.

- In your opinion, what are the chances of the Ukrainian national team for Euro 2020?

- Considering how she conducted the selection, how she played against the European champions, all this is encouraging. I don't want to make any predictions or sing praises now, but now the blue and yellows can play on equal terms with the best teams on the continent.