On the eve of the 2024/2025 Nations League match against Georgia, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhii Rebrov answered journalists' questions at a pre-match press conference.
Serhiy Rebrov. Photo: UAF press service- Serhiy Stanislavovych, why didn't you call up Yegor Yarmolyuk to the national team?
- We are following him, Yegor helps the youth national team and was called up there. Now we have called up more players who represent the Ukrainian championship. This is a chance for players representing the national championship.
- Why didn't Andriy Yarmolenko initially make it to the main list of the Ukrainian national team, but only to the reserve list? Did you talk to him about it?
- Yarmolenko was not included in the main list of the national team, because now, in my opinion, there is a lot of competition among players from the national championship. We look at the League of Nations as a tournament in which we can view candidates for the national team of Ukraine.
Of course, I talked to Andriy, explained everything. I believe he is a special player for the national team. I told him my position. Again, it is very important for us to give a chance to candidates who prove themselves in the national championship.
- Due to the injury problems of many players, you were forced to call up other players. What criteria did you use to select them?
- I always say that it is very important for us to have competition at every position in the team. If someone gets injured, we try to find a replacement among the candidates or among the players on the reserve list.
It is important to have at least two players for each position. I believe that the players who have been called up now really deserve it. There are a lot of new names, but in the training process I don't see them getting lost somewhere or not doing anything. We give everyone a chance.
- Will the match against Georgia be the last chance to get the desired result in the Nations League?
- We lost the first two matches. Of course, we have to show a different level, a different belief in the result. The players understand that every match at the national team level is a big event for our country.
In the next two matches, we can't just talk about the result, but we also have to talk about the desire, perseverance and the way we play for the country. For me, the Nations League is more about preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. But, of course, this tournament also gives a chance to get into the playoffs for the World Cup.
Besides, I can't say that we didn't want to win the first two matches. If you recall the game against the Czech Republic, we made 20 shots on goal, not just controlled the ball. We analyzed the Euro matches when teams took 15-16 shots on goal and won. Unfortunately, we lost, but we tried to win. Of course, we will try to win the match against Georgia and show our level.
- You know Lasha Dvali well, whom you once coached. How do you feel about this player?
- I know him very well. When I worked with him, he was very honest, open and professional. I will be glad to see him tomorrow. I don't follow him in the club, but he shows a good game in the national team. I respect him as well as the Georgian national team.
