The head coach of Ukraine U-21 team, Unai Melgosa, commented on the draw against Lithuania for the UAFA website and shared expectations from the next match against Hungary, which will take place on March 31.

— How do you assess your performance against Lithuania?

— The match can be assessed from various perspectives. The result is one of them, and obviously, it’s not the one we expected. But this isn’t the only or most important aspect in such a process as ours.

We pay a lot of attention to how we play, and in that sense, the team made progress. We were a recognizable team with control, balance, and the ability to create chances. There are statistical data reflecting our advantage, for example, 19 shots compared to 3 by the opponent. Many other game indicators also point to this.

From this standpoint, analysis has two sides. On one hand, we can dominate and consistently create chances. On the other, we still need a lot of effort for realization, and in certain moments, the opponent needs only a small amount to cause us damage.

This is precisely what the next step for the team will be: transforming this dominance into greater effectiveness, having more real presence in the penalty area, and controlling those minor details, like isolated episodes, which ultimately cost us dearly.

In any case, the assessment goes beyond the result. It is focused on the process, the development of the team, and understanding what we need to improve to better compete at this level.

— What did you tell the team after the match?

— After the match, even though we were better in the game process and didn’t achieve the desired result, the boys also felt the pain. Therefore, it’s more of a time for support rather than deep analysis.

We talked, acknowledged their efforts, and made some brief remarks about certain situations where we paid a price. But I think what matters most is not what is said right after the game but the work we do in the following days. That’s when true learning happens through more calm and clear analysis.

In the first moments after the final whistle, players’ ability to concentrate attention is greatly reduced due to match tension. Therefore, more emphasis is given to supporting the players rather than deep analysis.

— What are the team’s further plans?

— We still have a few days ahead to continue working. The first step is to continue analyzing what happened in the last match and start preparing for the next game at the same time.

At the same time, we need to continue building, correcting, and consolidating the basics of what we have already created, as well as addressing aspects that are not yet at the level we aspire to or require improvement.

We are a youth team, and we are still in the development stage. We need to find a balance between the need for immediate results and long-term player growth, which is what all of us need to learn and understand together.

Therefore, we will continue working, growing, and improving step by step.

— What can you say about the next opponent?

On Tuesday, we play in Hungary. This is another intense, well-organized opponent focused on compactness, tough battles for second and corner balls, as well as quick transitions from defense to attack.

It’s important for us to prepare well for the fight, properly conclude our attacks, and avoid situations where we are caught off guard during transition phases. From an organizational standpoint, we will try to create a solid foundation for this match.

In any case, we emphasize the importance of being able to “read” the game well, getting information from what is happening on the field, and staying fully focused throughout the entire match. First and foremost, we need to show our desire and commitment to be here, as being part of the national team is a privilege for all of us.