Ukraine, coach Petrakov: “I wanted to go and fight, they didn’t let me”

Oleksandr Petrakov has no doubts. “It’s true, I’m 64, but I could take out two or three enemies.” He is the coach of the Ukrainian national team. When the war broke out, he not only refused to leave Kiev, but he also contacted the government to give him permission to fight. However, for reasons of personal data, another role was proposed to him. “They advised me to go to the western parts of Ukraine, but I refused. I was born here and I cannot leave my city. I didn’t think it was correct because so many people have to stay to defend the country and I don’t want to escape. If it helps, I’ll take up a weapon and defend Kiev. My wife can’t stand bombing and explosions anymore, when she can take the dog down. I stay at home, but I would prefer to fight if I could ”he reiterated decisively in the interview granted to the Guardian.

You have to play

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In recent weeks there had been discussions about the possibility of having Ukraine coach in some location further away from the conflict. But according to Petrakov it is not a viable solution. “There is a risk that if someone says that the withdrawal of the national team has begun, they could bomb us. We are dealing with people without morals and principles, we could not endanger our players. We should play though, because without friendlies it will be difficult for us to face Scotland in the play-offs for the World Cup. It would be nice to do it at Wembley against a London team: it would serve as a preparation and it would also send a good message to our army, ”he explained. The coach remained in contact with several players: “They call me, they ask me to stay safe. They tell me they couldn’t stand the idea that he could be killed. Certainly here it is easier for that to happen. In addition, all their parents will remain in Ukraine and are worried ”.

Never with the Russians

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“It’s about hatred,” continued Petrakov, when asked to describe his state of mind towards the Russians. “It’s not just anger. People hate anyone who invades their land. We will need time to calm down, but for now there is a lot of hatred. They have been attacking us for years ”. This is why the idea of ​​one day facing Russia in a match does not agree with him: “I would not want that to happen as long as I am alive, I refuse to shake hands with any of them. We have to build a wall and do everything possible to stay away ”.