The head coach of Ukraine's women's national futsal team, Oleg Shaytanov, spoke about the changes in his work related to the war, preparation for the Euro-2022 final tournament, and newcomers to the team.

In recent days, the squad of Ukraine's women's national futsal team was announced ahead of the training camp before the Euro-2022 final tournament. The head coach of the blue and yellow team, Oleg Shaytanov, spoke about the future preparation of the team in an interview for the Futsal Association of Ukraine.

— Oleh Mykolaivych, tell us where the war caught you and how you spent the first months under occupation.

— The war caught me at home. This morning will remain in the memory of every Ukrainian. Just like for millions of fellow citizens, it began with the phrase "The war has started." How did I spend the first months? In anticipation of good news from the Armed Forces!

— How did you maintain contact with players and the association?

— Of course, the first days passed like in a fog. But soon we were in touch with each player. I knew where all the girls were, their plans, problems, and situations. Often had phone conversations with the president of the AFU, and we discussed news from every girl on the team.

— How were questions about a complete stoppage of futsal in Ukraine for players of the women's national team, who under current conditions could leave the country?

— There were different paths. Several girls left independently. Also, the AFU manager, Marina Kyriluk, significantly helped with this issue. She communicated with clubs in Europe, and many of them came to our aid and hosted our national team players.

— The final four is a repeat of last year's significant achievement for our team. Were there reasons why the squad might not have participated in this forum? How was communication with UEFA regarding changes to tournament dates?

— Euro Championship — it’s a futsal festival. The second appearance at such an event is an achievement for the girls who maintain their stable level. Of course, there were reasons why the squad might not have participated in this forum. More about communication with UEFA can be told by the AFU leadership. However, from what I know — there were numerous negotiations and consultations to reschedule the final stage for a later date. UEFA came to our aid, and we have the opportunity to represent Ukraine.

— After confirming the dates, the main concern for coaches was the training camp of the team. How did you address this issue? Are all preparations for Euro fulfilled?

— We are unpretentious and would have adapted to any conditions, especially during wartime. However, many countries came to our aid in these difficult times. So I am satisfied with the training conditions.

Of course, the team cannot hold camps in Ukraine due to ongoing war. On June 3rd, the Ukrainian national team will gather in San Marino. We will spend approximately a week preparing in San Marino, Italy, France, and Portugal. I would like to personally thank the organizers of the camp and countries that help us with preparations for the European Championship.

— How complicated are conditions for gathering the team considering that most players are in different European countries?

— Yes, practically all national team players are abroad. This complicates logistics somewhat but is not a problem.

— The team gathering will last almost a month — is this period sufficient to compensate for the lack of playing practice in part of your wards?

— In just a few days, it will be three months since they left their homes to save lives. It's quite difficult to be abroad while thinking about Ukraine and worrying about loved ones. I understand that the girls will arrive in different conditions. However, many of them found opportunities, strength, and motivation to return to their work and have training sessions and playing practice with new teams. We are scheduled for 40 trainings and internal matches. In June, we will play friendly matches against Italy and Portugal national teams. We will address the lagged behind.

— Recently, a list of players preparing for Euro-2022 was published. It includes both newcomers and those who previously played for the team. But some experienced players are missing from this list. Please comment on this decision.

— Let's start with Polina Dzrod. She was born in a small town of Glevaha, near Kyiv. When she was four years old, her parents went to Russia and took the child with them. Growing up, Polina decided to return home. In 2021, she returned to Glevaha and independently obtained Ukrainian citizenship. I spoke with her; she has a strong pro-Ukrainian stance, condemns Russian actions, saying "there simply can't be any other opinion."

Overall, when forming the list of girls who will attend these camps, in most cases, I gave preference to those who moved to Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish leagues, had training processes, and playing practice.

A significant loss for us is the absence of Anna Shulga. A sportsman always has a risk of injury. The damage is serious, so we wish Anna a speedy recovery and return to the national team's squad.

— One of the best scorers in Euro-2022 qualifiers was Anna Sydorenko, who became Russia's champion this season. What can you say about her chances of making it into the squad?

— She made her choice. We are not on the same path for now. As long as I am the coach of Ukraine's national team, and under the current leadership of AFU, she will not be in the team.

— The Russian squad was replaced by Hungary in the final four. How do you evaluate this decision and a new potential opponent?

— From a sports perspective, it's logical. A potential opponent is known to us, but time doesn't stand still. In recent years, we've crossed paths with this team in the main round of the first European Championship and at the Lviv Freedom Cup tournament.

— What result would be satisfactory for our team's Euro-2022 performance?

— The most important thing is that after completing the tournament, we understand that we gave 100% and squeezed out everything from our capabilities. Everyone dreams of medals!

Women's Euro-2022 Futsal

July 1, 2022

Semi-final              Ukraine — Spain

Semi-final              Portugal — Hungary

July 3, 2022

Match for third place

Final

Recall that the Ukrainian national team in October in Lviv won their group at Euro-2022 qualifiers. The blue and yellow team's opponent in the semi-finals of the tournament is the reigning European champion — Spain.