Famous Ukrainian coach Oleh Fedorchuk told us what he expects from the Euro 2024 qualifying matches Ukraine - England (9 September) and Italy - Ukraine (12 September).
- Does the national team have any chances in the matches against England and Italy?
- To be objective, the Ukrainian national team has little chance. England is one of the best teams in the world.
- Will it be a problem that we will play the second match against the Italians, not the first? As you know, the second qualifying matches are harder for us.
- This is not very good. In Italy, there is a change of coach and the players will be very motivated. The Italians will be "jumping out of their underpants" to impress the head coach.
- Will Malinowski's non-call-up be a problem for the national team, given the many injuries to our players?
- No, he was the main player of the national team for a short period of time. Malinowski is very dependent on his physical form. It is difficult for him to maintain his game tone. Ruslan needs to calm down and focus on playing at the club. In the Ukrainian national team, Malinowski would sit on the bench, so it's better for him to stay at the club.
- Who would you prefer in the forward line: Yaremchuk, Dovbyk or Vanat?
- I would give it to Dovbyk or Vanat. Yaremchuk has little game practice, and in the matches against England and Italy he will have to run a lot. Vanat is in good shape, and Dovbyk, although he plays relatively little, is quite effective.
- What is the most problematic position in the national team?
- Right-back. Tymchyk, Konoplya and Karavayev are attacking players, but they do not have enough defensive skills. I am more or less calm about other positions in the defensive line.
- Which player's non-call-up came as a surprise to you?
- Kryskiv is in great form.
- But then there is Buyalsky.
- Buyalsky has very blurred functions at Dynamo. Because of this, he has problems in the national team. At Dynamo, Buyalsky can play wherever he wants, but in the national team, he doesn't. He is a very specific footballer.
- Which game is more important - with England or Italy?
- You need to understand which game Rebrov is betting on. Italy is our direct rival, but if we win in England, everything can change.
Rebrov has a bonus that no other coach has ever had - maximum trust. Sergei's hands are free, he can take risks.
- I'm not going to ask you about your forecast for the national team's matches. But how many points in two matches would be acceptable?
- Not losing in two matches would be acceptable. Then we will have a chance. It's not yet clear how Italy will play against North Macedonia, it's a very difficult team.
The main thing is to show a meaningful game. Do you understand why they didn't leave Petrakov on? He had emotions, but no logic, no understanding of what would happen next. Rebrov is a more strategic coach.
- Is Rebrov a top coach?
- I would not exaggerate. They say he won everything, but what kind of championships were they? I wouldn't say that Rebrov has the ability to become a top coach, but he is probably the best among Ukrainians.
Yuriy Fesun