On the eve of the friendly match with Germany, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov gave a press conference.
Serhiy Rebrov. Photo: Getty Images- In Germany, they say that football is one of the best things in the world. What does football mean to you and your country?
- Unfortunately, football is not at the forefront of our country's agenda right now. Now we are all doing everything for our defenders. Getting to Euro 2024 is a very important step for us. What we have done is really important for our people and country. I believe that football is number one in Germany. It used to be the same in Ukraine. But now we have to think about other things.
-What can you say about the German national team?
- The German national team has a new coach. In my opinion, the team has become more disciplined and has good performers both in defense and in attack. Compared to our last match, Germany has improved and is showing results. Unfortunately, they will not be able to use players from Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund tomorrow. However, the Germans have a wide selection of players for each position.
-What are your team's goals for Euro 2024?
- We are very happy to represent Ukraine at such a tournament. Everyone will be able to see our flag at the Euros. Ukraine wants to join the European family, so it is important to be here with the best teams on the continent.
-How strong is your national team? Do you expect to reach the 1/4 finals at least?
- We need to concentrate on every game. We have a good balance between young and experienced players. Our first game at the Euros is against Romania, we have to focus on preparing for it, and then we'll see.
-How do you feel about the fact that Andriy Lunin was left in the squad for the Champions League final?
- In my opinion, he deserved to play, but unfortunately, he could not prepare for the match because of a cold. It is very important for us that players have such experience before the Euro, especially if they play for the best club in Europe, which is currently Real Madrid. And this applies not only to Andriy. I am very glad that many of our young players represent Ukraine in the leading championships.
-What is the most difficult part of preparing for the European Championship?
- It is always difficult to compare. If you compare it to our defenders who defend Ukraine, it's nothing. What's the problem is that we have to travel a little bit further. All our players understand this. I told them that it is a great success to get to the Euros. But we have to show our best to be competitive in the final tournament.
- Artem Dovbyk became the top scorer in the Spanish league. How important is he for the team?
- I am glad that many of our players play in the top leagues. Of course, Artem's status as the top scorer gave him more confidence before the Euros, it is very important for him. Players who come to the national team from the leading championships add experience to the whole team.
-What do you think about security during the European Championship?
- We have been in Germany for a few days now. I am sure that this is a country that will do everything possible to protect all national teams. If you saw, during the Champions League final, people ran onto the field, which is not very nice. The whole world is watching these episodes, and I'm sure Germany will do everything to ensure safety.
-What is the condition of the players, have Heorhiy Sudakov and Vitaliy Mykolenko finished their recovery?
- Everyone is ready, today everyone is working in the general group, while yesterday several players were working individually.
-When will Lunin join the Ukrainian national team?
- They will have a celebration, we allowed him to stay with the club, he deserves it. Lunin will join us in Warsaw, where we will move after the game against Germany.
- Haveyou thought about calling up any other players to the Ukrainian national team?
- We have two tournaments now - the European Championship and the one in France before the Olympics. If something happens, we will be able to call up players, because the official application will be submitted on June 7. We already have players called up for the next three games, and then we'll see how they are doing.
