Georgiy Yermakov: "In Israel teams play more openly - with an emphasis on attack"

The goalkeeper of the Ukrainian national team gave an interview to Mikhail Spivakovskiy after the first match as part of Kharkiv.

- There are many players from Oleksandriya in the team's defensive line. Do the algorithms you developed with Ruslan Rotan partially work for Mladen Bartulovich?

- There is some similarity, but usually it all depends on the opponent, because it's impossible to do the same things all the time with everyone. You need to understand how the opponent meets and presses, how you cover him... What exactly you can use in a particular situation, because there are almost no identical situations in football. So we have rehearsed elements, but decisions are always made depending on the situation - here and now.

- How would you rate the level of the Israeli and UPL championships?

- They are just different in nature. In Israel, football is more open: all teams focus on attack, each has very cool creative performers. They are skillful and know how to play with the ball relaxed. Accordingly, no one is afraid to take responsibility in the third zone. This is noticeable.

- FC Kharkiv pursued you for a long time. If we exclude the transfer value, what factors were decisive for you?

- Firstly, ambition and goals that Kharkiv sets in its development. Secondly, the team composition and coaching staff - when you understand where you can progress and develop your qualities here, and this will help you move forward in your career.

- Have you had a conversation with Andrea Maldera about choosing a championship where it will be easier for him to keep an eye on you, and for you to showcase yourself for the national team?

- Not with him, but communicated with the goalkeeper coach: at that time it was Rustam Khudzhamov. He saw my games, asked for videos of special training sessions that his colleagues at Maccabi did. So he actively monitored me since last autumn. And finally, this summer I received an invitation to the first training camp from Andrea Maldera.