Ukrainian coach Petro Kushlyk shared his impressions of the match of the 2nd round of the Nations League Czech Republic - Ukraine (3:2).
Piotr Kushlyk- We all expected a completely different game with the Czechs than with the Albanians. Moreover, compared to the first match in the Nations League, Serhiy Rebrov changed half of the squad, entrusting veterans Stepanenko, Yarmolenko and Zinchenko with a place in the starting lineup. The appearance of Mudryk, who came on the left flank, in the lineup from the first minute was also encouraging. It seemed that after the opening part of the game, in which there was a hard game, our national team will gradually begin to dictate its terms to the opponent. But...
The actions of Ukrainian players did not look coherent, there were many mistakes and lost the fight in simple situations. Unconvincing was also the game in attack, where the Ukrainian national team has long lacked a real scoring forward. Once Dovbik was in the infirmary, this acute problem manifested itself to the fullest extent. Yaremchuk is not noted for his scoring ability and consistently powerful play, while Vanatu still lacks experience. Perhaps his debut goal for the national team will be the impetus for progress.
If we analyze the game as a whole, our team once again suffered because of their own mistakes. I would even say, "school" mistakes. The first missed goal was the fault of Mikolenko and Shaparenko, in the second goal there are questions to a whole group of players who failed to deflect the threat after a cross and let the ball bounce to Shultz and hit the goal after the rebound. And the third goal was the result of a penalty that could not have been awarded. However, we have what we have.
- Will two defeats at the start of the Nations League be the psychological pressure that will prevent our national team in the next matches of the tournament?
- I don`t think so. All the players are adults, professionals. In the month left before the games with Georgia and the Czech Republic at home arenas in Poznan and Wroclaw, Poland, each of them will play at least 4-5 matches at the club level, so all thoughts about failures in games with Albanians and Czechs will be long forgotten.
On the contrary - the players should have a desire to prove to everyone that they are able to look worthy in the European arena not only in games for the club, but also the national team of their native Ukraine. Ukraine, which for the third year has been suffering from an insolent and cynical enemy. Each of our players must play in the next matches not only for the honor of the country, its people and the WSU, but also for their own honor. This must be remembered at all times.
Vyacheslav Kulchitsky
