On the eve of the match of Nations League 2024/2025 with the team of Albania, the head coach of the national team of Ukraine Serhiy Rebrov gave a press conference.
Sergei Rebrov- Why are there so few changes in the Ukrainian national team? Among the debutants - only Vladyslav Kabaev.
- If you watched the Euros, we had the youngest team at the tournament. It is very important for us to keep the balance that we have between age and young players. I believe in these players, in the team. Believe me, there will be changes for the next matches, we will look at other candidates. This is the current squad, but we are looking at many candidates.
- What is the personnel situation in the team?
- Unfortunately, there are injuries. Denis Popov didn`t come to the camp of the national team. Artem Dovbik went to his club for treatment, he will not be ready even for the second match. There are still micro-injuries, but we have time, so tomorrow we will make a decision.
- What is the reason for the decision not to call up players from the reserve list?
- Dovbik came to the national team, he was improving. We hoped that he would be ready at least for the second game. He went to Rome only yesterday. And in order to call up players from the reserve list, you have to get permission to travel, which is not so easy to do now. Unfortunately, there was no time, but I would have been happy to call up players from the reserve list.
- Do you feel the hospitality and support from the Czech Republic?
- This is the second time we play here, we hold training camps. We feel how much the Czech Republic supports us not only with words, but also with actions. We see the position on the war in Ukraine, which is very important for us. We will be very pleased to play here in a few days against the Czech Republic. I am sure the atmosphere in the stands will be fantastic.
- What kind of support do you expect tomorrow, given that many Ukrainians live in the Czech Republic?
- In any case, it is difficult to play matches outside Ukraine for more than two years and not to have this support. Because when you play at home it is a completely different feeling. I remember when I was young and enjoyed playing for my fans. We have already played in Poland, Germany, Czech Republic - everywhere we feel the support. Not only from Ukrainians abroad, but also from other people who support our country.
We hope that tomorrow fans will come to the stadium and support us. But we all also look forward to the moment when Ukraine wins this war, the whole world will celebrate our victory and the return of Ukrainian soccer home.
