Oleg Shandruk: "If everything goes in our favor at Euro 2024, we can make it to the semifinals"

The head coach of Veres Rivne, Oleh Shandruk, answered questions about the friendly game between Germany and Ukraine.

- What were your impressions of the match?

- Actually, the game was not bad, because Ukraine played against a top team. I liked it. Our team played very well in tactical terms, even though we were without the ball for most of the match, but it was probably planned that way.

- Germany's advantage in ball possession at the beginning of the match was up to 85%, but in the end it was something like 57-43%. How do you like Ukraine's play without the ball?

- It was a very important phase of the game and Ukraine was able to endure it. Maybe sometimes we played too low, but modern football sometimes forces you to do that.

- Were you surprised by Ukraine's scheme with three center backs?

- It is hardly possible to surprise anyone today. Many clubs and national teams practice different schemes depending on the opponent. Ukraine played with three central defenders to bring down the opponent's attacking potential. We used our fast wings with Tsygankov and Mudryk.

- What can you say about Zinchenko and Konoplya on the wings?

- This position is not new for Zinchenko. He has been practicing his functions. In defense, he was a lateral and provided volume in the attacking phase, many formations went through him.

- Were there any surprises for you regarding the starting lineup?

- All players in the national team deserve to play. But I think Serhiy Stanislavovych is still conducting some experiments. I really liked Svatok in the three central defenders, he played very well. He looked quite good in combination with Matvienko and Zabarnyi, who plays in the top championship.

- Do you think we can see this lineup at the Euros?

- I think against Germany we played more of an experimental lineup. There will be more changes. Dovbyk and Sudakov were substitutes, and these are the main players of the national team. The same Brazhko had a great spring stretch for Dynamo. The coaching staff will have to rack their brains to find the best solution.

- It is interesting to hear your opinion about the veterans based on yesterday's match. Are Stepanenko and Yarmolenko still able to strengthen the Ukrainian national team for the Euro?

- Stepanenko looked very good against Germany. I think he himself feels that he can still give a lot to the national team. Yarmolenko also played well enough and had a moment. Plus, he has a clear desire to play for the national team.

- Who do you see as the leader of this Ukrainian national team on the field?

- These are the players who are leading in the clubs from the top championships, first of all - Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Zabarny. They are leaders, perhaps not in terms of age, but in terms of understanding the game.

- What can you say about Mudryk? I immediately recall his pass in the first half, when he did not pass to Yaremchuk in a good position, but shot himself, but the shot did not work.

- Mykhailo has long been expected to make the right decisions and successful passes. The national team and Chelsea want him to be more effective. But we need to be patient, Mudryk's potential is very serious. He is definitely a very strong player for our national team.

- Trubin played a phenomenal match against Germany, but today Lunin, who has been a starter for Real Madrid for most of the season, has already arrived in the national team. Who will be No. 1 in the national team?

- Here the coach will have to rack his brains and maybe guess. Coaching intuition should tell Serhiy Stanislavovych the right choice. Lunin and Trubin are two top goalkeepers.

- Who will you give the Lion of the Match award to?

- I will give the Lion of the Match award to Trubin. We defended a lot and the players felt that there was peace and order behind them. Trubin's confidence was transmitted to the defenders.

- Were there any players in the Ukrainian national team who dropped out in the match against Germany?

- In general, the team played well and evenly. There were no players who dropped out.

Perhaps Shaparenko had some worries, but it was clear that he tried very hard. He did a lot of running work both in defense and in attack. I positively assess his game.

- What do you expect from Ukraine's friendly against Poland?

- We need to win the match against Poland. The Ukrainian national team needs a positive momentum before Euro 2024.

- How far can the Ukrainian national team go at Euro 2024 with our golden youth led by Serhii Rebrov?

- We can go very far at the Euros. Everything will depend on psychology and luck, which are very important in cup matches. If everything goes in our favor and everyone plays their best game before and during the semifinals, we can make it through. The potential of our team is very high.

Andrii Piskun