Ukrainian national team midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko also took part in the pre-match press conference held today in Glasgow by the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Oleksandr Petrakov, dedicated to tomorrow's Nations League match against Scotland.
Andrey Yarmolenko— You have arrived in Glasgow again. How do you feel here?
- The memories of the previous fights that were at this stadium are very positive. However, this is history. Now we are setting ourselves up for a new game, a new battle. We are concentrating on preparing for tomorrow's match.
- With what thoughts and strength do you approach the meeting with Scotland?
— We are thinking about winning this match. You should always think about this if you play football. Of course, we know that Scotland is a strong team. However, we have our own game plan, let's concentrate. We know how to play. We hope that we will win, but we understand that it will be difficult.
- The Russian team was not allowed to draw for Euro 2024. How did you receive this news? Also about a potential friendly match between the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia - what else can be done to prevent this match? What do the Ukrainian national team think about this?
- My opinion about Russian football, sports, absolutely everything - this country needs to be isolated from the whole world, since it is a terrorist country. Every day they kill Ukrainians, our children. Therefore, there can be no talk of any sport. So everyone in the Ukrainian national team wants only one thing - that this country be punished harder. Therefore, we are only in favor of simply isolating them from the whole world. I will rejoice if they are excluded not only from football, but also from all possible competitions.
- The last time Ukraine played at Hampden Park was in June. This was the first official match since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion. How do you feel about the upcoming game? How has the situation in the team changed since then?
— Nothing has changed, we have a war going on in our country. We want to bring our fans, Ukrainians at least some joy with our game. We are now playing for our people, for all those who are now in Ukraine and just want to get distracted from the war. We must make sure that Ukrainians have at least a small smile on their faces for at least 90 minutes.
- Do you physically feel better than on the eve of the June matches of the national teams?
— I think so. Al Ain and I have already played three games in the championship. I think I'm in the best condition. But only tomorrow's match will show this. For a footballer, the most important thing is to hold official matches. Now I'm playing, I'm happy, everything suits me, I feel good. I hope I can help the team tomorrow.
