Myron Markevych: While running an interesting job, I didn't notice that I'm already 70

01.02.2021 11:00

Photo by Nicholas Barrel

Today, on February 1, Myron Markevych, Honored Coach of Ukraine, the UAF National Teams Committee chairman, turns 70.

Myron Markevych's enthusiasm can only be envied. At his age, he goes out on the field every week and plays with veterans. Here and on the eve of a birthday the expert didn't betray the principles.

The official website of the Ukrainian Football Association congratulated the chairman of the UAF National Teams Committee on the anniversary.

- Thank you for the greetings, - said Myron Bogdanovich.

- Today you are 70 years old. What thoughts do you have in this regard?

- That time runs fast. I have been doing interesting work and coaching for about 35 years, I didn't even have time to notice that I am already 70 (smiles).

- Not so long ago you said that you want to train. Does this dream remain relevant?

"Of course." I would have worked as a coach for a couple of years.

- Are there any real teams to compete with Dynamo and Shakhtar now?

- So far there are none. One match can be won, but for a long time it does not work out. The teams have no stability. You need at least a few seasons to play one lineup.

- A few questions about the national team. Some complain that the Ukrainian national team will have weak sparring partners before the Euro. But, on the other hand, last fall we played with the last three world champions, and in the spring France will be in the opponents again ...

- Everything is going well. The main thing is that no one was injured. There are players who are indispensable for the national team. And who we will play with is the second question. I don't see anything wrong with Bahrain, Northern Ireland and Cyprus competing. You need to try to win to feel confident before the European Championship.

- Are Zinchenko, Malinovsky, Yarmolenko irreplaceable? ..

- Not only. Matvienko, Marlos, Tsygankov ... I can continue the list. Andriy Shevchenko has someone to choose from. In a competitive team, the clip must consist of 20 approximately equal performers.

- According to the previous calendar, in 2021 the national team of Ukraine will play at least 15 matches. Not a bust?

- On the contrary, it's good. Now is the time to perform on a tight schedule. All in the same conditions. It is necessary to make up for what was healed due to the coronavirus.

- Successful performance of the national team of Ukraine at the European Championship - for you it is ...

- First of all, it is the prestige of the country. Everyone is worried about the national team, so any victory adds optimism in our difficult times. And as for the specific results, I do not want to look far. To start, you need to leave the group. If the team does, it will be easier.

- The national team committee recommended to continue cooperation with Ruslan Rotan as the head coach of the youth team ...

- Rotan still needs to be given a chance. The decision was balanced. If we saw that the mentor works in any way, then everything would be considered differently. This time we expect from the youth team not only the supply of personnel for the main team of the country, but also a good result in the selection of Euro-2023 (U-21).

- How are things with the youth national teams, which have been idle for almost a year?

- This is still the main problem. It is very difficult for mentors to work in this mode. But such are the realities now, it is necessary to adapt. For now, you need to go to clubs to see the candidates. I believe that soon everything will fall into place, and the planned, at least for the next year, will be fulfilled.

- This year the Ukrainian Football Association turns 30 years old. Remember how it all started?

- Times were hard, because many strong footballers went to Russia, the national team of Ukraine was bloodless, but slowly everything fell into place. So far, so good!