Oleksandr Kosenko: "Friendly matches against Czechia will serve as preparation for European Championship Qualifiers"

29.10.2024 18:00

Today, a press conference was held at the House of Football in Kyiv. It featured players and the head coach of Ukraine’s national futsal team and focused on the team’s upcoming plans.

Before the conference, Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidnyi and UAF President Andriy Shevchenko congratulated Ukraine’s futsal team for securing bronze at the Futsal World Cup 2024.

Head coach Oleksandr Kosenko and players Petro Shoturma, Rostyslav Semenchenko, and Danyil Abakshyn participated in the press conference, answering questions from the media.

— The national team will soon play friendly matches against Czechia, followed by the European Championship qualifiers. When is the training camp scheduled, and what are the team’s further plans?

Oleksandr Kosenko: — The friendlies against the Czech team will serve as preparation for the European Championship qualifiers. We depart from Kyiv on November 2, with training on the 3rd and 4th, followed by matches on the 5th and 6th. After that, the players will return to their clubs, and we’ll regroup in December, though specific dates are still to be determined.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

— Are there plans to bring in new players for this training camp?

Oleksandr Kosenko: — We’ve invited young players — Marian Masevych and Vladyslav Pervieiev — to meet and introduce them to the team. Vladyslav Zavertanyi also rejoins the squad. However, there won’t be drastic roster changes. I believe this team can continue improving for years to come. Yet, I always remind them not to rest on their achievements, as challenges and setbacks are inevitable. We must continue growing step-by-step. Winning the World Cup bronze was a significant achievement, but the next step is crucial for our progression.

— Do you feel additional pressure and responsibility as World Championship bronze medalists?

Oleksandr Kosenko: — We don’t necessarily feel external pressure yet, but we do recognize the responsibility of maintaining the high standard we set. This responsibility motivates us to stay united, keeping individual ambitions in balance with our team spirit. I believe this achievement will boost our confidence. We can compete with any team, but it’s essential to execute specific game strategies in every match.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Petro Shoturma: — I don’t feel the weight of responsibility yet, but I know it will be greater for us as opponents view us as World Cup medalists. Still, we approach each game with a high level of accountability and are prepared for the increased expectations.

Danyil Abakshyn: — The coach and my teammate have already said it all. We just need to move forward, game by game, and focus on our job.

Rostyslav Semenchenko: — We are driven by strong motivation. We set a high bar and tasted victory over top teams. I think we’ll feel less pressure since we’ll be ready to give each opponent a serious challenge.

— What are your thoughts on your opponents in the European Championship qualifiers — Germany, Cyprus, and Romania?

Danyil Abakshyn: — We’ll prepare for each opponent. Germany is currently playing very well, and Romania has naturalized Brazilian players, which will make for an interesting game. We don’t have much information on Cyprus yet, but we’ll analyze them closer to the match.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Rostyslav Semenchenko: — From my youth team experience, Romania was already a strong team with skilled players. We’ll analyze them and Germany closer to the matches.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Oleksandr Kosenko: — All teams are progressing, and we’re aware that this is the European Championship qualifying stage. We remember our previous qualifiers, where matches against Denmark and Albania were tough. Even though we have fond memories of our World Cup games, the qualifiers were difficult, especially against Kosovo and Netherlands. We need to start fresh and focus now. It won’t be easy against Cyprus, Germany, or Romania, particularly on their home turf. Our performance depends on our preparation and mindset. There are no weak opponents anymore, and, for instance, while Cyprus and Germany may not be favorites on paper, playing them away will be challenging.

— When can we expect Petro Shoturma back on the court?

Petro Shoturma: — Unfortunately, my injury is more severe than expected. I’ll have a clearer picture after a second surgery in December, as my recovery will have two phases. I’m eager to return and help the team. My dream is to see Ukraine’s team play on home soil again, and I’ll do everything to make that possible.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

— Question for the head coach: Recently, you and Serhiy Vladyko visited Ukrainian soldiers. What impact did this visit have on you, and how does it feel to represent Ukraine during these challenging times?

Oleksandr Kosenko: — We’ve long supported the 110th Territorial Defense Brigade, our courageous, brave soldiers who have become close friends. Whenever possible, we support and visit them, and we’ll continue to do so. They are genuine people, and their friendship means a lot to us. This isn’t limited to the 110th Brigade. We have connections with other units as well. Winning is especially important now, and it’s a constant topic of conversation, as many players have friends or family on the front lines. I’m certain that this war has unified the futsal community, with everyone finding ways to support the front, whether through donations, auctions, or other means. We will prevail, and we eagerly await the day we can play for our fans on home turf again. This is incredibly important to us.