"Rebrov has not yet exhausted the credit of trust" - former defender of the Ukrainian national team

Former Ukraine national team defender Volodymyr Mykytin shared his impressions of the match of the 2nd round of the 2024/25 Nations League Czech Republic - Ukraine.

- For the second match in a row, the weak team play of the Ukrainian national team in defense is striking. The Albanians skillfully used it at the start, and yesterday - the Czechs. Remember how helpless our defenders were when the opponents hit the goal. Almost the whole team was in their penalty area, but what is the benefit when no one knows how to block shots.

- Our opponents' coaches noted that their wards were tactically superior to the Ukrainians. Then maybe we should adopt a different scheme?

- You know, it is not by chance that I emphasized team play in defense, because it is on the reliability of defense that your professional ability depends. Because even if you quickly change from 4-3-3 to 4-1-4-1 or another scheme, a lot will still depend on how quickly the team will move from defense to offense. So, as far as I'm concerned, the reasons for the failures should be looked for, first of all, in the unadjusted defense. Although perhaps our guys really need to play more in the second number, when the opponents open up.

- In the next round of the Nations League the Ukrainians will have to find out the relationship with the Georgians, who act effectively, in a sharp attacking style.

- The times when the main thing for Georgian players was to win applause with technical tricks are gone. The current Georgian national team is well-organized, fast and attack-oriented. It will be difficult to deal with them, although, in my opinion, a more balanced squad should help the Ukrainians to take the upper hand. Moreover, we need this win badly.

- This match will be held in October, while after two consecutive defeats in the media there is a discussion with experts and fans whether the manager Serhiy Rebrov should resign. What is your point of view?

- I think that he has not yet exhausted the credit of trust. And not only because the Ukrainian soccer community has been waiting for this specialist for a long time. Still, the Nations League and the World Cup are different competitions, and Serhiy Rebrov has a goal - to win a ticket to the world forum. Of course, recent failures are a blow to his image, but he still has a chance to rehabilitate. I hope that the players will do their best to defend their mentor.

Dmitry Verbinsky