Jan Mucha: "We have already defeated Ukraine"

Former Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha told Peter Schlönka what he thinks about Ukraine's entry into Euro 2024.

- What do you think about the confrontation with Ukraine?

- It will be a very important match for us because it is our first match against Belgium. We are not favourites against either Belgium or Ukraine. Ukraine is probably 22nd in the FIFA rankings, we are outside the top 40. We know that it will not be easy, but it is not that we will not beat Ukraine. We have already won in the history of our matches. These matches against Ukraine have always been interesting and full of emotions. We have to treat this match as the final, because the second match in the group is the most important. This group is not tough for us, not even difficult. We believe in ourselves, but we will be considered the weakest. We have no choice but to fight for 3 points in every match.

- How would you describe the Slovak national team to Ukrainian fans?

- Obviously, we don't have as wide a squad as we would like. Over the past 2-3 years, there have been many changes in our team. There have been changes in coaches, one generation of Slovak players has finished their careers. But if our key players are fit, we can compete with anyone. If they are lacking in some way - picture, injuries, poor form - it will be very difficult, because the rest of the team is not of special quality.

- You mentioned the great matches against Ukraine. Which one do you remember best?

- The 1-0 win in Kyiv. I didn't play in it, but it was an important match for us, and I was part of the team that later went on to the Euros. For the first time in history.

- Who do you remember from that team?

- Pyatov, because I always paid attention to players from the same position. And I would also like to draw attention to Shevchenko, because he was a top player and coach. Everyone in the world knows him, he is a star of Ukraine, a real legend.

- What result do you predict in the Ukraine vs Slovakia match at the Euros?

- Ukraine has a great team. The quality is palpable in every position. I wish them good luck, but not in the match against us. I want Slovakia to win, but Ukraine is the favourite, and everything depends on their performance.