Famous Ukrainian coach Oleksandr Babych shared his impressions of the friendly match between Germany and Ukraine (0:0) and told what kind of performance he expects from the Ukrainian national team in sparring matches with Poland and Moldova.
Oleksandr Babych. Photo by D. Rudenko- "Any positive result in the control matches adds psychological balance to the team and improves the climate in the team," Babych said. "Serhii Rebrov was satisfied with the defense of the Ukrainian national team against Germany and the actions in counterattacks, but in the upcoming matches with Poland and Moldova, it is necessary to demonstrate different football.
- What are your impressions of the sparring match with Germany?
- I liked the organization of the game of the national team of Ukraine in general. Our team was quite successful in practicing defense and transitioning from defense to attack. And all this - against a top opponent, against the Germans, with whom we always play hard. Rebrov, of course, did not want to reveal all the cards, but the Ukrainians tried to demonstrate their strong qualities - speed, for example. Our team deliberately gave the ball to the opponent and practiced defense, starting from the second zone.
The German national team can certainly be equated to Belgium, which, however, is even higher in class at the moment. As a coach, I liked the performance of our national team. We must not forget that in sparring matches you can always work out what is impossible in official matches. Moreover, the players of the Ukrainian national team had just gathered before the game with the Germans, and Serhii Rebrov had to psychologically set everyone on the same page. I think that the game and tactics of the Blue and Yellows against Germany became a real puzzle for the rivals in the Euro 2024 group.
- The goalkeeper always plays a significant role in matches against top-level teams. How do you assess Trubin's actions?
- The fact that the Ukrainian national team played to zero is also Trubin's merit. His strengths are playing on top balls and playing with his feet. Everything was on a par. I would note that Trubin is stronger in these components of goalkeeping skills than Bushchan and Lunin. In any case, the coaching staff of our team received a lot of material for reflection.
- It became known that two other goalkeepers of the national team of Ukraine - Lunin and Bushchan - will play against Poland and Moldova...
- That's right - everyone should be given a chance. In these matches, Rebrov will see how Lunin and Bushchan interact with defenders, how they act under pressure from opponents. I think that Bushchan will play against Poland, and Lunin, who needs to recover calmly after the season at Real Madrid, will play against Moldova.
- Mykolenko is recovering, but there are no final conclusions about his ability to play at the Euros yet... How much will his possible absence weaken the game of the Ukrainian national team?
- Mykolenko does a huge amount of high-speed work on the flank. Of course, the level of play of our national team with Vitaliy in the lineup is much higher than without him. But, as I saw in the sparring match with Germany, Zinchenko, who was transferred to the left wing, coped with his duties very well, because this is a familiar position for him. Matvienko was good at backing up. Therefore, we are waiting for Mykolenko, but we remember that we have other options.
- What will the Ukrainian national team practice in the control match with Poland?
- This opponent is lower in level than Germany, which means that the Blue and Yellows will have the opportunity to work out options for playing in a positional attack, in attacks from the second zone. There will be a lineup rotation. It is important to find the right balance between attack and defense. In this sparring match, you can give Brazko and Vanat, for example, a chance to prove themselves. I think there will be 3-4 newcomers in the starting lineup, and then - as it goes. In any case, more emphasis in the game with the Poles will be placed on attack.
- Serhii Rebrov's team will play the final sparring match with their weakest opponent, Moldova. Was it specially planned?
- In the game against the Poles, our coaching staff will see some more flaws, and in the match with Moldova there will be time and opportunity to correct mistakes. The main task in the last sparring match before the Euro is to avoid injuries. It is also important to get a positive result, which will create a corresponding positive attitude for the European Championship. The actions of the Ukrainian national team will be closely watched by the Romanians, so we must not reveal all the secrets... I attended the Romanian national team's match against Bulgaria and I must say that the Romanian team impressed me. This is a strong opponent. However, I am sure that even such a Romanian team is no match for the Ukrainian national team. So, we are waiting for the control match with Poland first - it will be interesting!
Oleg Leonchuk
