Roman Debelko: Every setback teaches us something, but we don't want to be too "smart" about it - we need to win

Post-match comments following the Matchday 7 game of the 2026/2027 UPL-2 youth championship between Polissia U-21 and Kryvbas U-21 (1:0).

Roman Debelko, FC Kryvbas U-21 Coach:

- First of all, we played a solid match today. In the first half, we deliberately ceded the initiative to Polissia and waited for counter-attacking opportunities. We created several good chances and could have scored, but unfortunately, luck wasn't quite on our side. We conceded an unfortunate goal late in the first half, which forced us to adjust our tactics and take more risks in the second half.

After the break, we played more aggressively and created enough chances to score. However, we lacked clinical finishing, composure, and a sense of responsibility in the attack; in some situations, players shifted the burden onto one another. At the same time, by opening up and taking risks, we left space for the opponent, leading to dangerous counter-attacks against us. Unfortunately, we failed to convert our chances and lost the match.

Every defeat teaches us something, but we don't want to be too "smart" about it - we want to win. There is an upcoming break for international matches, so the lads need to rest. We’ve given the team four days off so the players can switch off both mentally and physically. Afterward, we’ll resume training with renewed energy, as there is still a lot of work ahead.

Ivan Tymoshenko, FC Kryvbas U-21 defender:

- In my opinion, the main reason for the defeat was our finishing. Conceding a goal right before halftime is always a significant psychological blow to the team. It was truly frustrating to let one in just before the break. Once again, we were let down by our finishing and our decision-making in the final third; we lacked that precise final pass or shot.

We need to move forward with a positive mindset, draw the right conclusions, and keep working hard. I believe we primarily need to improve our team coordination and defensive play so we don't make such mistakes in the future.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih