---
title: "First Step into Europe: Alexander Filippov on Polissya's Preparation for the Match against Copenhagen"
description: "Zhytomyr's Polissya is preparing for its debut in the 2026/2027 season with a match against Copenhagen in the Conference League. Striker Alexander Filippov spoke about training camps in Austria, team growth, and competition in the attack. 🏆⚽ #Polissya #Football"
date: 2026-07-22T11:32:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/first-step-into-europe-filippov-polissya-copenhagen-conference-league
tags: [poltessya, alexander-filippov, copenhagen-fc, ru-rotan, uefa-conference-league]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# First Step into Europe: Alexander Filippov on Polissya's Preparation for the Match against Copenhagen

![Alexander Filippov in FC Polissya kit celebrates success, preparing for match against Copenhagen](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/22/poltessya-filippov-kopengagen-liga-konferentsiy-2026/poltessya-filippov-kopengagen-liga-konferentsiy-2026-1.webp)

On July 23, Zhytomyr's Polissya will take to the field for its first official match of the 2026/2027 season. The team, coached by Ruslan Rotan, will kick off in the Conference League, where they will face the renowned Danish side Copenhagen in the second qualifying round. Ahead of this challenge, Sport RBC.UA conducted an exclusive interview with Polissya striker Alexander Filippov, who discussed the team's readiness, the atmosphere during training camp, and plans for the season.

### The Season's Foundation is Laid in Austria

For professional footballers, the summer training camp is an inevitable routine that few enjoy, yet without which a successful campaign is impossible. Filippov admitted that he understands the specifics of this period: it is precisely here that the foundation for autumn and spring is laid. Hard work now is necessary to confidently navigate the entire season.

The team is holding its training camp in Austria for the second consecutive year. The coaching staff skillfully structures the workload, alternating intense training sessions with rest days. To avoid emotional burnout from two daily training sessions over the course of a month, the players use humor and banter, and on weekends, they try to head into the city to see something new and change the scenery.

### Growth and Team Synergy

According to the striker, over the past year, Polissya has grown significantly both individually and as a team. The coaches regularly present statistics on improvements, but the players feel this progress intuitively. The main goal remains increasing competitiveness both on the domestic stage and in Europe.

Team chemistry is a key factor for success. Filippov noted that over the year, the footballers have gotten used to each other quite well. Despite the mix of veterans and newcomers in the squad, they speak the same language. Interaction improves with each day: whoever starts or comes on as a substitute, everyone clearly understands their tasks on the pitch.

### Competition and Historic Moments

There is serious competition in Polissya's attack, which, in Filippov's opinion, only benefits the team. The fight for a starting spot motivates players to give 100% and constantly grow. The players support each other without unnecessary talk, understanding that everyone gives their all in training and matches.

Looking back at the previous season, Alexander recalls the victory in the qualifiers where the team fell just short of passing Fiorentina. "If we had met them this year, we would have shown a much higher quality of play. Right now, Polissya would have a much better chance of beating such an opponent," the forward is confident. He also recalled the club's historic medals, which became a significant achievement.

### The Goal That Changed Everything

Among all the goals scored, the most emotional one for Filippov was the winning goal against Alexandria. This goal was scored in the final minutes when the team had no right to drop points at home at the end of the season. The victory and this goal provided incredible emotions and added confidence ahead of the new season.