Aleksandr Filippov: 'Polesye' has become stronger — today we would have beaten 'Fiorentina'

34-year-old forward of Zhytomyr's 'Polesye', Aleksandr Filippov, stated in an exclusive interview with Sport RBC.UA that over the past year the team has made a qualitative leap. In his opinion, the current version of the club significantly surpasses the one that fought for a spot in the Conference League a year ago.

Evolution of play and self-confidence

The striker noted that the club has improved substantially in all aspects of the game. Recalling previous European campaigns, Filippov admitted that back then the team lacked a bit of experience and skill in the confrontation with Italian 'Fiorentina', but even then the players showed quality football.

"If we had met them this year, we would have shown a much more constructive game. Right now, 'Polesye' would have had far greater chances to overcome an opponent like that 'Fiorentina' of the time," the footballer is confident.

The path to Europe: from failures to successes

The history of the Zhytomyr club's participation in European competitions over the last two years demonstrates clear progress. For the first time, the team tested its strength in the Conference League qualifiers in 2024. Under the leadership of Imad Ashour, 'Polesye' stopped at the very first stage, failing to cope with Slovenian 'Olimpija' (aggregate score 1:4).

The situation changed radically in the 2025/2026 season. With the new coach Ruslan Rotan, the team confidently passed Andorran 'Santa Coloma' (3:3 on aggregate) and Hungarian 'Paks' (8:2), reaching the final qualifying round. There, the Zhytomyr team lost precisely to 'Fiorentina' (2:6), but this path became proof of the club's level growth.

Squad changes ahead of the new season

Despite optimistic forecasts and skill growth, the new season for 'Polesye' will begin with personnel losses. The club lost one of its key leaders — Alexey Gutsulyak, who decided not to extend his contract and has already chosen a new club. However, judging by Filippov's words, the team is ready to compensate for this loss with an overall increase in quality and cohesion.