Yurii Mukan: The U-15 team is just gaining experience, we still have a lot of work to do

The head coach of Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" U-15 Yurii Mukan summed up the first part of the 2025\2026 National Future League season.

- How do you assess the team's progress in the first half of the season?

- At the beginning of the season, four players moved up to the older age groups. The team had nine new players, most of whom had no experience of playing in the DUFL. If you compare their level at the start of the season and after the last match, there is progress. Of course, this progress is not enough, we still have a lot to work on.

- Are there any players who pleasantly surprised you with their attitude, character and progress?

- There is a group of players who pleasantly surprised you, first of all, these are newcomers. I would especially note their desire to develop and become better.

- Which players do you see as having the potential to strengthen our U-19 youth team in the future?

- From my own experience in children's football, I can say that there were players we bet on, but they did not realize themselves until the graduation class. There were also inconspicuous football players who, thanks to perseverance and hard work, got to the U-19 team for review. Therefore, now I cannot single out anyone in particular. It all depends on them.

- What defeats or problematic moments gave the team the most lessons?

- I can single out the defeat at home against "Ruh". After analyzing the game, we realized how much we still need to work, and also better realized the further path to be on par with such worthy opponents.

- What is the best indicator of the team's success for you, as a senior coach?

- For me, success is when my players, at least, get to the U-19 team. It is important to find a middle ground between the team's result and the players' development, so that there is a result and as many players as possible continue their journey in football.

- The autumn part of the PRO League has ended. What tasks do you set for the team during the winter break in the championship?

- The players will have individual tasks for the vacation period, which they must complete in full. The task for the coaching staff is selection and team building. We have held meetings with the coaches of the first team, so there will be changes in the preparatory and training processes.

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