Former Dynamo Kyiv defender Ilya Zabarnyi, who now plays for English side Bournemouth, spoke in an interview with the Vzbirna YouTube channel about the preparation of the Ukrainian national team for the Euro 2024 play-off qualifying match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ilya Zabarny- Ilya, congratulations on your debut goal for Bournemouth. By the way, this goal was not immediately scored. Did you have any thoughts while the referee was making his decision?
- I immediately thought that the ball had crossed the goal line. So I believed that everything would be fine. In addition, we were still losing at that moment, so there were few emotions, but I'm glad that I helped the team win in the end. We made a legendary comeback.
- You became the eighth Ukrainian to score in the Premier League. Can you name the others?
- I don't think so.
- Let's try.
- Mykolenko, Zinchenko, Shevchenko, Rebrov, Mudryk.
- There was also a national team player who played in the German championship, he was from Odesa.
- No, it's not about me. I'm not very good at football, to be honest.
- Voronin.
- He named someone I know, watched a bit, but I don't really follow it. I watch when I need to. Otherwise, I'm not a fan.
- Did the guys congratulate you somehow?
- Yes, they applauded me after the game and that was it. There wasn't much time, I came straight to the national team,
- It's good that the national team gathered in advance and we can prepare well for an important confrontation.
- Everyone understands that the national team is a completely different level, there is little time. I think if you have time, of course, you should come and start to understand what the coaching staff wants from you. I think it will only be good for you.
- Who, apart from Jacko, can you name in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team?
- We have not yet started to analyse the opponents. I have just arrived in the national team. But I remember what kind of football they offer. Now we will analyse it, and then I will be able to say.
- How uncomfortable were you when you played against the Bosnians in Zenica?
- Everyone understands what kind of match awaits us, and anything can happen in this confrontation. When you play in front of your fans, it is difficult for the opposing team. Of course, there will be no easy game. We just need to tune in to it. I think we will succeed. I see that everyone is in good shape, we have every chance.
- When the whole team is waiting for the match, does it add motivation or create additional pressure?
- This is an individual moment. There is no pressure on me. There is only responsibility and duties that I have to fulfil 100%. I understand where I am. For me, every match when I play in the shirt of the national team of Ukraine is very important. I feel confident in my abilities, in my partners. No fear, no pressure. I think everything will be fine.
- Returning to Bournemouth, how did you manage to pull off such a comeback?
- The game did not go according to our scenario, it was difficult in the first half. The opponent is not easy, and with such teams you cannot concede first. At half-time, we realised that we had nothing to lose, so we analysed our mistakes and changed our tactics. It's a historic comeback, the whole team did well. We have a very good team now, good players who are able to produce results.
- Can you still surprise England a little this season?
- I don't know, maybe. But this is the Premier League - anything can happen in a match. It's a really unpredictable thing. You can win, play 0-0 with anyone. You can beat anyone. The great thing about the Premier League is that every match is like a final. It's very difficult to win in such games at all. It's an unreal experience. I am very glad that at my age I can play against the strongest attacking players in the world. This is only a big plus for me. I am developing, trying my best. Yes, maybe we won't surprise this season, but at least we will try.
- They say England has fantastic speed, you can feel it there. Is there really a huge difference with the Ukrainian championship?
- Yes, for me it is a big difference. At first it was very, very difficult, you need to react to all the events in the match. You need your legs to keep up with your head - that's the most important thing.
- Have you adapted now?
- Yes, of course, everything is fine now. I feel good in the team. I'm in great shape now, I'm enjoying football.
- Is everything okay with your English?
- Everything is fine. I speak every day, I improve it every day. When you are in this environment, you learn words very quickly and start speaking.
