On the eve of the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Ukraine and North Macedonia, which will take place this Friday in Skopje, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhii Rebrov gave a press conference.
- What can you say about tomorrow's opponent?
- This team knocked out Italy in the 2022 World Cup play-offs and beat Germany away. We take the game very seriously. We must respect the opponent, but also think about our game. Tomorrow, it is important to focus on our game, analyse the mistakes we made in the match against Germany, go out and play football.
- Today , theapplication of the youth national team of Ukraine for Euro 2023 (U-21 ) was published , which included the players of the national team - Trubin, Sudakov, Mudryk, Vanat. When will you let them go to the youth camp?
- We agreed that we would use these players in both matches. We will see after the match with Malta.
- Ukraine is considered a clear favourite for the match. How do you feel about this?
- I don't think we are favourites. We are playing away against a very strong team, which has shown this in recent meetings. We have to prove on the pitch that we are the favourites.
- What do you expect from tomorrow's match?
- I believe that tomorrow will be a different game than the one against Germany. We understand who we are playing against, we understand the strength of the North Macedonian team. But we must be aware of how we will play ourselves. I expect a very tough game. I am sure our players are ready for such a game.
- What is Mudryk's psychological state, given his young age and not very successful performance for Chelsea this season? Perhaps you had an individual conversation with him?
- I talk to every player. I spoke to Mykhailo, he is in a stable psychological state. He, like the others, represents our country. All players make mistakes, especially at this age, when we have three or four U-21 players in the main squad. We will support him, like all the players on the field.
- In the match against Germany, Stepanenko personally worked against Kimmich. North Macedonia has a similar player - Elmas. How similar will Taras' tasks be for tomorrow's match?
- We did not play personally. But the German national team is not just Kimmich. When Goretzka and Kimmich play together in the middle of the pitch, it's a real force. We understand that Elmas is really the leader of the team. But there are several players who work very well with the ball. We have to pay attention to them as well.
- It is known that Bondar and Pikhalonokwill not play due to injuries . Are there any other personnel problems? What is the condition of Mykolenko, who asked to be replaced in the game against the Germans?
- Yes, there are some injuries that the players received earlier, not directly in the training process. Mykolenko feels absolutely fine, he is preparing for the game. He has other problems, but I'm sure it won't affect the next game. All the guys are healthy and ready to play.
- This season, we saw Tsygankov in Girona in a slightly different position than the one he usually played in before. He played closer to the centre under the striker in the match against Germany. Do you see Viktor playing in this position in the future?
- We'll see. We look at the training process. If a player can act in this position, fulfil the requirements, then he plays there. I think Victor has made a good start to the game, he has powerful speed, which he used with Germany. He played in Girona for several matches in this position, he played quite well. That's why we tried him there, because the match was important.