Renowned journalist Roberto Morales responded to rumors that midfielder Yevhen Konoplyanka, who currently plays for Polish "Krakovia" may return to the ranks of the Ukrainian national team.
Roberto Morales- How do you perceive the insider that Konoplyanka may return to the Ukraine national team?
- I very much doubt that Konoplyanka in his form can help the national team, although all options have a right to life. For an important match against a strong opponent, I do not think that the modern Konoplyanka will really help this national team.
- What do you think about Konoplyanka's performances at Krakowy?
- I did not have to see the full matches of Krakowy, so it's very hard to say anything. He hasn`t become the top player in Poland this year because a man with his abilities should be fantastic or we are talking about the things the Ukraine national team needs.
- How can the 33-year old national team veteran be useful?
- Maybe Rotan will be pleased to see an old acquaintance, but Konoplyanka is a positive guy, but he doesn't look like a man who can start a team.
I do not think Konoplyanka may be the trump card of the national team. Sometimes very strange things happen, but he is not an obvious candidate for the Ukraine national team.
- Kono is able to compete at the same level as Mudryk, Zubkov, Petryak?
- We cannot talk about Konoplyanka's prime time. Mudryk, Zubkov and even Petryak can give more dynamics in one move than Konoplyanka. The trumps Zhenya has, they are no longer prime.
- Would a call-up to the National team help Zhenya restart his career?
- Maybe psychologically it will help him, but will it help the national team? We are trying to get into people's heads and there are very complicated processes going on.
- Does Konoplyanka's appearance in the national team increase Rakitskiy's chances?
- Rakitskiy definitely not, because this is a footballer who has only one virtue. He really can give a long pass better than anyone else in the Ukraine national team.
- Who else of the forgotten characters from your opinion could help the team? Buyalskyy? Kovalets? Anyone else?
- When people mention Rakitskyy, I'll give you an example: take Yuriy Vernidub or Serhiy Kovalets, but for some reason they don't play for the national team due to their age. (Laughs). There is nothing more in Rakitskiy now. Perhaps someone may object, but I think so.
Oleksandr Kaplienko
