Dnipro-1 and Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Pikhalonok spoke about the team's continuing preparations for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Northern Macedonia and Malta.
Oleksandr Pikhalonok (photo: P. Kubanov)- "We have had very intense training sessions with many tactical exercises for three days now. Tomorrow, the intensity will decrease, and then it will increase again. This is a weekly cycle, which is exactly how it is planned. I think the team is fully prepared for the match against North Macedonia. So to speak, everyone is on alert.
There is always high competition in the national team. Almost everyone is ready to play, except for Denis Popov, who is still working on an individual programme.
Northern Macedonia is the same team, with the same tactics as in the last match. We are analysing their matches against us and Italy, looking at the peculiarities and preparing. This is a European Championship qualifier, so every game is very important. We need to come out and give our best. We have a tournament need to take six points in two matches, but this does not put pressure, but rather gives us strength and motivation. We have no room for error.
I also have my own motivation. I have been called up for several training camps, but I have not been able to play yet. I'm waiting for my chance, I want to use it to the fullest if I get it. I think I'm ready to surprise everyone in a good way," said the Dnipro player.
