The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Serhii Rebrov on the official Youtube channel of the UAF spoke about the preparation of the national team for the Euro 2024 playoff qualifying match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Sergey Stanislavovich, the team's training camp is coming to an end. Did you manage to achieve everything you planned?
- The main goal was to prepare for important matches. We invited players from the youth national team so that we had enough players to prepare, because some players are arriving even today. I think everything went well. Let's see how we will be ready for the official match.
- The team gathered even a few days earlier than our opponent. Tell us about it.
- We had to remind the players that we are the ones who have work to do. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is only one player from the local championship, and the rest are from abroad, so they could not gather earlier. I am grateful to the clubs that met us halfway - Dynamo, Shakhtar, Dnipro-1 played their matches earlier and gave us the opportunity to prepare. I am sure that we are ready.
- Were the young players sufficiently motivated, as they understood that they were involved only for the training process?
- I'm sure they were. If any young player is called up to the national team, he will be very motivated. There are no questions here. I am grateful to everyone who came - they worked responsibly, to the best of their ability. They also prepared for an important meeting with the U-21s. We follow all the players.
- Could the fact that our team started training four days earlier than Bosnia and Herzegovina be a decisive factor?
- But we did not gather in full force at first. We hadn't seen each other for four months, each player has different requirements at the club, and we need to adjust. It takes time. We are all on equal terms.
- What is the national team of Ukraine ready to oppose its opponent?
- I think this qualifying cycle was successful for the team, and it takes time for anyone to understand the requirements. I see how motivated the players are. We are going to achieve our goal through teamwork and individual skill. I think the players don't even need to be reminded of their motivation - they understand who they are playing for and the state of our country. This comes first.
- Despite the fact that this match will be an away game, will the Ukrainian national team play as the first team?
- We'll see what number we play(laughs). It's always difficult, but we play all our matches away from home. I hope we will return to Ukraine soon, because the support of our fans is very important to us. I remember when I was at the national team's matches with the stands full - it was always a holiday. But over the past two and a half years, we have got used to playing in such an atmosphere - away from home. The guys understand who they are playing for. Now there is no big difference where we play.
- Can the experience of Bosnia and Herzegovina's players be a decisive factor?
- Experience is a very important thing, but it is also important to have a balance. Young players add motivation and pace. It is important that the team has both experienced players and young ones who will provide dynamics and motivation.
- The Ukrainian national team has four forwards. Is this the most competitive position in the team?
- I think not. We have players who can cover several positions. So do the strikers who can play in other positions. Everything will depend on the game. It is very important that the squad has players who can change the course of the match.
- Mykhailo Mudryk has played in several positions in Chelsea's recent matches. What can you say about his performance?
- If he plays and scores, it means that Mykhailo is useful. There is a lot of competition for his position as a left winger, so the coach is trying to find other options. I'm glad that Mudryk is scoring and I hope he came to the national team in a good mood.
- What is the situation with Viktor Tsygankov? Is there a chance to see him on the pitch in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- There is a chance even when he is not available. That's why Viktor is here, he is undergoing treatment, he works out every day according to an individual programme and we are looking at the dynamics. There are still a few days before the match. I know Viktor very well. If possible, he will always play for the national team.
- A question about the national team goalkeeper. How will you decide who will play?
- We talk a lot with the goalkeeping coach about who will play. We watch a lot of matches, we watch everyone. Just before the game, we make a decision. There are already some thoughts on this, but the decision will be ready only before the match, because all the goalkeepers now have playing time at their clubs. It is a difficult decision, but it is good that there is competition. I am happy that the goalkeepers are performing at this level.
- Do you feel that this is a special period in your coaching career?
- I generally believe that working for the national team is a special moment. It is a huge responsibility for me to work for the national team at this time. It is very important that our players already have experience of matches at this level, such as in the play-offs against Scotland.
I am convinced that it is too early to talk about Euro 2024, we need to concentrate on the next match. Once again, it is very important for me that many of our players already have experience of playing in the play-offs.
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