Myron Markevнch: Nations League matches have been a great experience for Ukraine

11.09.2020 11:00

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Myron Markevych, the UAF National Teams Committee chairman, shared his thoughts on the performance of Ukraine A-team and U-XNUMX in September matches, as well as on the start of the national championship.

- In the Nations League the national team of Ukraine after two rounds is in second place in the group. Is this a normal figure?

- If you look at the standings and who is present there, the result is serious, but the whole fight is still ahead.

- If the result of the match with Switzerland pleased us, then with Spain, to put it mildly, not very much. In your opinion, what is the reason for the disastrous defeat of the blue and yellows in Madrid?

- Let's start with the fact that Switzerland also have a very strong team, which, in fact, showed the match itself. And let the Nations League be called to replace friendly matches, in the last edition this team in the elite division reached the final four. However, in the game with Switzerland, the blue and yellows showed character. A lot of effort was expended.

The Spaniards released seven new players at the start of the game, so they looked fresher, well, and, of course, the class of the players of this team is very high. I think Luis Enrique could bring together a few more teams of this level. And we have one person fallen out - and there is already a problem. It is very difficult to run the whole match without the ball.

- Matches against Germany and Spain are ahead. In your opinion, what are the prospects of Ukraine in these encounters?

- A lot can change in a month. I think that the guys will gain the necessary condition. I am optimistic about future matches, at least because our young players have the opportunity to play matches with strong opponents. This is a great experience for mature players as well.

We should not forget that the team did not gather for almost a year. Yes, everyone is on equal terms, but everyone has their own affairs and their own problems. We must also remember that more than half of our team plays in the domestic championship, which is significantly inferior to the competition, for example, the Spanish championship. Footballers are not growing so fast.

- How did the newcomers show themselves?

- It is difficult for me to say anything about Kharatin, because the only he did was defending. That's how the game turned out. But I liked the actions of Mykhailichenko and Tymchyk, especially in the match against Switzerland. These players will add. Mikhailichenko can grow into a good full-back. Competition on the flanks has increased.

However, I want to emphasize that the Nations League is, again, like a friendly match with increased responsibility. It is possible to see yourself on the background of such reputable teams as Spain, Germany and Switzerland, as well as to identify their problems. They are, but before the start of the Euro there is still time to analyze everything and adjust their game. The prospects for our team are good, despite the failure in the game against Spain.

- Ukraine U-XNUMX in the matches with Denmark and Finland looked great. Did the team wake up late?

- Ruslan Rotan has just started working. Yes, at first not everything worked out, but now it is clear that this is a different team, so the coach still needs time. In Denmark, the blue and yellows looked better than the group leader, and it seems that the hosts scored a goal with violation of the rules, but, nevertheless, you can not lose concentration and bring the case to such a nervous end.

I have no doubt that the result will come to this team, although it is not the most important. The main thing is that the guys come to the national team as ready players.

- Now everyone is switching to internal competitions. What do you expect from the championship?

- I am waiting for the emergence of new talents (smiles), so that there is a greater choice of performers, both for the coaches of A-team and U-XNUMX. I also want Ukrainian clubs to perform well in European Cups, the country's image is important.

- With the arrival of Mircea Lucescu, will Dynamo be able to catch up with Shakhtar?

- Time will show. Kyiv's victory in the Super Cup was the first alarm bell for the Pitmen. Dynamo wanted to win that match more, although I consider it more of a friendly match. However, it is always nice to beat a principled opponent. In general, Kyiv players played well against against Shakhtar under Oleksandr Hatskevych, but they were not enough convincing at the long distance. Let's see how it will be this time.

- Will Zorya, Desna, Oleksandriya, Kolos be able to compete with the big sides?

- I think that these teams will fight for third place and tickets to European Cups. And for Zorya, Desna and Kolos, the most important thing now is to play in the Europa League. It is time for the people of Luhansk to try to leave the group, and the people of Chernihiv and Kovalivka should try to get there.

- There is a a Dynamo - Desna clash in the second round. Will this be a good test for Mircea Lucescu's team?

- At least it will not be easy for Kyiv - at least because this match will take place after the national team matches, where many Dynamo players went. In general, I really want to have intrigue in the championship. It is much more interesting to watch such matches not only for specialists, but also for fans.