This year, summer and early autumn will be busy for the women's National team of Ukraine. Our volleyball players will compete in the European Golden League, the European Championship, and the most serious and responsible test - qualification for the Olympic Games. So, the girls are already starting active preparation for their performances in the international arena. And the head coach of the national team shares predictions about the chances of the national team itself, and talks about the composition of the team, the girls' mentors, the peculiarities of the training process, and the nearest opponents.
Mr. Ivan, which of the tournaments (European Golden League, European Championship, and qualification for the Olympics) is a priority for the Ukrainian national team?
- We strive to perform successfully in all competitions. Of course, the priority is the European championship and qualification for the Olympics. However, the European Golden League, which will start in the near future, is no less important. After all, the winner will have a chance to enter the qualifying tournament for the Nations League.
Our team is very young, so we appreciate every tournament and match. Because we want to get the most out of them and gain as much experience as possible.
Tell us about the current national team. Maybe there are some special features this year?
- It was only last year that we formed a very young team, with the exception of a few volleyball players, only inexperienced girls played there. Because of this, the first season turned out to be quite difficult for us. Now our goal is to form a team that would be able to play at a high level for a long time. In addition, we strive to develop each of the players individually. They have to play in the best teams in the world. I believe that everything will work out for us, and in the future, they will become high-quality performers.
It takes time for a team to work like a machine. We have a lot to choose from, that's why 30 athletes were called to the training. In a year or two, we will have a good symbiosis of young and experienced players. But, I will repeat myself here, we need time.
Yes, we will do everything for our victory in every game. We will give all our strength in the European Golden League, European Championship, and Olympics qualification matches. But the most important thing now is the development of the players. They must absorb all this experience and emotions, and in a few years, Ukraine will become a powerful team. We have good players who have all the qualities to become even better. I think that already this summer you will see the difference compared to last year.
Who of the players hasn't made it to the national team?
- I do not have complete information about this yet. I expect all the girls to come to the team. But I will say right away that Olesia Rykhliuk will not be there. She is an experienced volleyball player who is always fully devoted to her work. However, this summer she needs to have some rest. Playing for the national team is a great patriotism, but she had a difficult season in Turkey. We talked a lot with her about it. We are sorry that this happened. However, life goes on, and now we have to find a player to replace Olesia as soon as possible.
You will play friendly matches with Germany and Slovakia. Why did you choose these countries?
- It is important to hold sparring matches with strong national teams. That's why I wanted to play with Germany. Then we had the opportunity to meet with Slovakia. I respect this team. In addition, it is not far from there to get to Hungary, with whom we have scheduled debut matches in the European Golden League. For me, as a coach, the most important thing in sparring is not the result but practice with good teams.
You have a hard schedule. How do you plan to adjust the training process to minimize the effects of physical and psychological fatigue?
- This is our job! If you are a professional athlete and play for the national team, you must independently find the strength and opportunities to continue working after the end of the club season. In addition, you need to be able to focus psychologically and emotionally on performances for the national team. The specifics and training process of the national team differs from the club level. But I have a lot of experience with me. In addition, we have a qualified coaching staff. Therefore, I think that we will find this balance.
Tell us more about the coaching staff
- The coaching staff in general will be the same as last year. We will be joined by fitness specialist Leonardo Lardone, with whom we were in Prometey. We continue to work with Denys Zui and Lazar Lazarov, as well as with the Turkish specialist Hlyuk Kurkmaz. There will also be young coaches from Ukraine.
And in general, how do you evaluate the level of Ukrainian volleyball today?
- Now Ukraine is going through difficult times. Despite this, the volleyball championship was held here. What else can be added?! It is just incredible! We all know perfectly well who and how organized all of this. Ukrainians should be proud of their country. Of course, the teams are young and inexperienced. However, they gave all their strength and emotions on the court. Yes, the level of the championship is not very high, but you should not think about it now. Young people need experience. When they'll get it, this League will show results in a year or two.
