Everton and Ukraine defender Vitalii Mykolenko told vZbirna about his recovery, the game against England, the moment with Walker and the upcoming match against Italy.
Vitaly Nikolenko- How did you feel after the game and how do you feel now?
- Recently, I have been playing only in the national team. I played 90 minutes back in June against the Macedonians, so it's a bit difficult to recover. But when you have a positive result, it's a little easier. It's all emotional, because emotions also need to be restored. When you come out and you have no emotions, it's also hard. It's hard physically and mentally, but if the coaching staff puts you in the starting eleven, you have to go out and show your level.
- In previous games, you didn't manage to get points against England. What do you think was the reason why you managed to get a draw this time?
- I won't compare it to the previous games, because it was a long time ago. A lot has changed in the team. And if we talk about the game in March, then probably now there was a better plan for the game. It's not that I don't appreciate the coaching staff. It's just that this time we managed to execute it better. It was no secret that we were going to take the ball away for most of the match, but we did it all together and when we defended the whole game, no one panicked for the first 15 minutes because everyone knew the plan and everyone knew their place on the pitch.
- We can't help but ask about the moment when Walker passed...
- I saw the replay, I spoke to Vicente and if you look at it from a professional point of view, it was a difficult moment. The pass was very good, my body was turned in the wrong direction, because I was setting myself up for Saku the whole game and thought I was going to go at him, and the pass went right over my head. This is a difficult episode, there are many nuances. Of course, there is a mistake, I'm not making excuses, but it's really a very difficult moment.
- Italy's draw with the Macedonians is a plus for the standings, but to meet them after such a result is another challenge...
- It's very difficult when you have two games like this with the finalists of the last European Championship. But it's not about a wounded animal - it's probably not in this situation. Both we and they are preparing in such a way that we need to go out and take three points. It will be very interesting.
- What can you highlight about the Italians, what are the key points?
- I already said it before the game with England, it's probably discipline. The Italians have always been famous for their disciplined play. Sometimes it's harder to play against a team that does that than against a team that has a lot of players with good individual play. This is a completely different team, not like England. But it is also a very difficult opponent.
- The San Siro is predicted to be packed. Is it inspiring or scary?
- We have probably all played in the Champions League and for the national team in big stadiums. So it's not scary, but probably more enjoyable here. I haven't played at the San Siro yet, and neither have many of the national team players. It's nice to play in such a stadium, to be in such an atmosphere. And if we win, it will be unforgettable.
