A forward of “Prometey” and Ukrainian National team Andrii Voinalovych, in an interview for the press-service of the FBU, told about preparation for the August matches of the Olympic pre-qualification, which will be held in Istanbul between August 12 and 20. Voinalovych shared his impressions of the training process and evaluated the performance of the team in the control matches against Lithuania and Sweden, where Andrii was the author of the winning hit.
- Tell us, how the practicing organised at this training camp?
- From the very beginning, yet before the start of the camp, our fitness coach (Oleksii Konovalov – edit.) created an individual plan for each player. So that we have a basis of physical condition, as there is not much time.
During the first weeks of the training camp, we worked more on technical things in the morning: we worked in groups both small and large, plus gym, plus we worked with our new coach on interactions. In the evenings, we had more game things at practice: we worked on combinations, adjusted our game as there were a lot of new things. We were searching and are still searching for what works for us and what does not.
- You have worked with Vitalii Stepanovskyi in “Khimik”. How similar is the process in the National team with the one in Yuzhne?
- I can say that the guys, who had already worked with this coach before, got involved in the process quicker. They know his requirements, the details of the training process.
- If to compare the work with Ainars Bagatskis, what are the key differences in the hew head coach’s approach?
- The main difference is that the team is more focused on defence now. We try to play aggressively, not to allow the rival to relax, so that they constantly feel the pressure. And, for sure, the discipline is different. It’s much stricter with Stepanovskyi
- What kind of imptressions did you have after you first control matches against Lithuania and Sweden?
- It’s a pity that we let Lithuanians go in the third quarter. While we were fresh, everything was fine; but then we started making mistakes. Lithuanian team is an experienced one, its players always play at a high level and the punished us straight away. However we worked on our mistakes, plus we had a schedule when we played with a background fatigue. We are trying to work at maximum so that it would be easier in official matches.
As for the match against Sweden, we got prepared, watched video, determined what has to be corrected. We are doing our best to make our team stronger with each game.
- How special was the moment with the winning shot at the end of the match against Sweden for you?
- First of all, I have to say that the coach’s goal is to win in every match, no matter if it is a control or an official one. Of course, it pleasant that I hit the winning shot, but in general, it does not change anything for me. There is a lot of work ahead and strong opponents.
Had I had any winning shots in my career before? Yes, I had some. For example, this season, when we (Estonian club “Tartu” – edit.) played a road match against “Brno”, I made a rebound in the last seconds and hit a winning shot.
- What are the feelings in the team before the August matches of the Olympic pre-qualification?
- All guys are seriously fdetermined, everyone understand that they represent Ukraine. We want to play as well as possible - to achieve the maximum result. That this was not just one random victory, but that we confidently move forward, as far as possible along the tournament grid.
Within the group round of the Olympic pre-qualification the teams of Turkey, Bulgaria and Iceland will become the opponents of Ukrainian National team.
To advance to the main qualification tournament, Ukraine has to become one of the two best teams at the group stage, and then win the playoffs, which start with the semi-finals. Only the winners of the pre-qualification tournaments will get places at the Olympic qualification tournament.
