The head coach of Epicenter Serhiy Nagornyak commented on the start of the Ukrainian national team in the League of Nations.
Sergiy Nagornyak- Serhiy Mykolayovych, what are your impressions of the Ukrainian national team's losses to Albania (1-2) and the Czech Republic (2-3) in the League of Nations? A lot of criticism was heaped on the team. What do you think?
- It is understandable. No result - no praise. The team lost two matches. Although the second match was better than the first. Everyone expected more from the national team. We believed that the team, being in Division B of the League of Nations, would fight to reach the elite. And now we have to rebuild in order not to be relegated. I think the next two matches against Georgia and the Czech Republic will be decisive.
- The Georgians are on a good run: six points in two matches.
- Georgians are experiencing football euphoria right now. They did great at the European Championships. Look at the support they get from the stands at home games. They are in an emotional high right now. Our support in the stands is also amazing. Even the Czechs said they felt like they were playing away from home against Ukraine. But what didn't work out? It is clear that there is criticism of the team. To some extent, the guys, of course, deserved this criticism. But, as for me, the head coach will draw conclusions.
- What percentage of Mudryk's potential does he realize in the national team?
- With the Czech Republic, Mudryk, in my opinion, was like himself. Especially at the beginning of the second half. He demonstrated his best qualities, including speed. It is clear that it is difficult for him. He has psychological pressure at Chelsea - forty people in the team. He is constantly under tremendous psychological pressure. In my opinion, he doesn't cope with it very well. Think of Mudryk, who played for Shakhtar in the Champions League and scored enchanting goals. Yes, Chelsea had a period of adaptation. He is trying, but he has no balance between the game and his psychological state.
- Is Tsygankov, who scored an assist against the Czechs, at his peak?
- I don't think he's at his peak right now. The Spanish championship has just begun. Yes, he played well in the first matches, scored a couple of goals. But the issue of psychology is more important here. The players of the Ukrainian national team are under pressure and cannot cope with it.
- What is the recipe for overcoming the crisis?
- We just need to come to an agreement and get ready for the next two matches. Go out on the field so that the fans can see that this is a team that fights for the result.
- Shaparenko also scored an assist. In your opinion, can he move to a European club or does he still need to prove something at Dynamo?
- It depends on where he goes. Ihor Mykhailovych said that Besiktas was interested in him. But Shaparenko wants to play in the top 5. But, believe me, if there was a good offer for Mykola from the top 5, he would have already been sold. There is Valik Rubchynskyi in his place. There are people who can replace him at Dynamo. Over time, maybe not immediately, but they can. Pikhalenok is already a combat unit of Dynamo. He is a very good footballer.
- Did Dovbyk's absence from the Ukrainian national team affect the results?
- I don't know about Dovbyk. It's hard to say. He is also not in the best psychological condition now. He hasn't scored a single goal for Roma yet. The coach is protecting him. I think he felt what Italian football is like. There is a crazy pressure there. I can't say that Artem is in good condition now. For a striker, the most important thing is to score goals. Vanat scored against the Czechs, scored a good Dynamo goal with an assist from Shaparenko.
- There are opinions that Oleksandr Filippov should be given a chance in the Ukrainian national team. What do you think?
- I don't know, it's hard to say. The guy scored three goals against Shakhtar. Well, he probably deserved it. But what can I advise the national team coach? He is responsible for the result. But Filippov is not the worst option either.
- The Spanish national team started inviting Joselu to the team only when he was 33. It is not a problem for them to give a chance at that age.
- Joselu once played for various teams, including Espanyol. He was signed by Real Madrid. And he helped Madrid a lot. He scored as a striker. Now he has moved to Qatar and signed a good contract. Of course, he deserves to be called up to the Spanish national team.
Dmitry KOTKOV
