Oleksandr Kosenko: "The Serbs had emotional support from the fans, and we did not cope with this pressure ..."

19.02.2020 18:10

Photo of FAU press service

The head coach of the Ukrainian national futsal team Oleksandr Kosenko summed up the team's performance in the elite round of the 2020 World Cup.

In early February, in Nis, Serbia, the blue and yellows were vying for tickets to the 2020 World Cup. Unfortunately, in the end, the national team of Ukraine took fourth place in the group. When the emotions subsided, we talked to the mentor of our team Alexander Kosenko.

- How do you assessDo you have the result and game of your players in the elite round of the 2020 World Cup?

- It is clear that the result is unsatisfactory. We did not complete the task. However, the game is not as hopeless as it seems. In this regard, the matches with Spain й France. Concerning the match with Serbia, the victory was won by the team in which the nerves were stronger.

— Is it possible to call the match with the hosts a key for our team?

- It seems to me that we had a game of nerves with the Serbs. The hosts had emotional support from the fans. We did not cope with this pressure, which is primarily the fault of the coaches. We could not influence the wards, although we tried. I will not say that the coaches did nothing. But, unfortunately, we could not cope with the pressure.

— Don't you think that the Ukrainian national team was not lucky enough to have problems with implementation?

- Of course, you can complain about luck, but we do not use these moments. I can't blame any of the guys, the responsibility for the result lies with the coaches. This is actually true. So, somewhere we missed certain points.

As for the implementation, at the end of the attacks, the performers must decide for themselves, play individually. You may need to be more relaxed. Completing the attack is a fine art. The shot can be jagged and ugly or graceful, but it will turn into a goal. I repeat, you can complain about luck, but first you need to ask us.

— What are the future plans of the national team of Ukraine before Euro 2022 selection draw?

- Ahead is a meeting of the executive committee, after which we will decide on our future and plans.