Zhytomyr's Polissya center-back Serhii Chobotenko has given a comprehensive interview detailing the reasons behind his contract extension, the psychological lessons learned from European competitions, and the team's ambitions for the current season. According to the player, the decision to stay in Zhytomyr was unanimous with his family, who feel extremely comfortable there. The defender emphasized that from the very beginning of the negotiation process, he had no doubts about his choice.
Team journey and European experience
Assessing the start of the current campaign, the player noted positive momentum, though he stressed that final evaluations of the season can only be made in May. Special attention was given to the dramatic UEFA Conference League qualification clash against Danish side FC Copenhagen at the Parken Stadium. Despite having a one-man advantage, Zhytomyr failed to put the opponent away, serving as a serious emotional and psychological lesson for the entire squad. Chobotenko admitted that the team thoroughly analyzed those matches, highlighting the failure to convert scoring chances in the first leg as the main shortcoming.
Defensive partnership and transfer rumors
Commenting on his central defensive partnership with Eduard Sarapiy—which fans and experts are already beginning to compare to legendary Ukrainian football pairings—Chobotenko modestly deferred judgment to the coaching staff, media, and fans. He also addressed recent rumors linking Sarapiy with Italian club Sassuolo. The defender stated that while losing a reliable partner is always difficult for the team, he would be genuinely happy for his colleague if he gets the chance to play in one of Europe's top 5 leagues.
Individual duels and crowd pressure
When asked about the toughest strikers he has faced in his career, Serhii singled out Copenhagen forward Andreas Cornelius. The defender noted that the Dane caused him immense trouble with his powerful physical shielding, even if he no longer possesses his former speed. Furthermore, the player touched upon the pressure from management and fans: following bronze medals and consistent upward progress in the standings, Polissya is expected to achieve top results, but the squad fully shares these ambitions and is ready to fulfill the tasks set by club president Hennadii Butkevych.
