Volodymyr Brazhko: "We have to win against Slovakia. We have no right to make a mistake"

Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko answered journalists' questions about the national team's performance at Euro 2024 during today's press conference.

- After the match with Romania, you said that the opponent did not show anything special. Doyou still think so?

- I said it on emotion, I misspoke. I meant that the opponent did not show something that we did not expect. We lacked concentration. That's how it turned out: there was a half-moment here, a half-moment there, and that's how the whole game turned out. I can only congratulate the Romanian national team, but we need to focus on ourselves.

- The match with Slovakia is ahead. Can you single out any of the players on this team?

- There is no need to single out anyone, they are strong as a team. We realize that. I watched their game against Belgium - the Slovaks know what to do on the field both as a team and individually. We don't need to be afraid of them, we need to take care of ourselves. We need to win, because we still have a chance, but we have no room for error.

-Volodymyr, you are from Zaporizhzhia, how hard is it for you, as your city is constantly under enemy attack?

- I don't want to single myself out, because it's hard for everyone now, many of the guys in the national team are from frontline cities. I am always in touch with my parents and friends. They are holding on, I am very worried about them. I would like to please all Ukrainians with my play for the national team. Unfortunately, it didn't work out with Romania. We want to prepare well for the next matches to fix this and give strength to our soldiers and all Ukrainians. We will do our best.

- Volodymyr, your hometown of Zaporizhzhia is under constant attack by the Russian army. How do you feel now and how does it affect your game?

- I don't want to single out myself, because it's hard for everyone now - all Ukrainians. Many of the guys have families from frontline cities, we are constantly in touch. Zaporizhzhia is shelled almost every day, I am very worried about everyone. That is why we really want to please our fans with a victory. We need to do everything possible to win these two matches.

- You came to the press conference. Is this a hint of starting in the lineup for the match against Slovakia?

- Let's see, I can't say anything. There are still two days before the game.

- Doyou respond to posts on social media after such difficult matches?

- After the game, I tried not to pick up the phone because I knew what would happen. We deserved this hate, we have no excuse. We need to accept this negativity, let it go through us. We need to understand how to continue playing and where we are.

-What were your impressions of the atmosphere at the stadium during the match with Romania?

- I really remember the atmosphere, because it was my first such match at a packed stadium. I really wanted to play at the European Championship, I was going for it, but I need to improve my game.