Myron Markevych: "They didn't let Kvaratskhelia do anything"

Honored Coach of Ukraine Myron Markevych commented on the result of the 3rd round of the League of Nations match between the national team of Ukraine and the national team of Georgia (1: 0).

Myron Markevych (photo: fckarpaty.org.ua)

- Myron Bohdanovych, I'm not sure, but I think Rebrov read one of your recent interviews. We talked to you at the beginning of the month, and you said the following about Serhiy Stanislavovych: "He needs to be a little bit bolder, bring in more young players, improve the defense, and everything will be fine." And so, we have Ukraine's first victory in the Nations League, and it was a dry one at that.

- In the match against Georgia, Ukraine played very well in defense, and that's why, I think, we won in the end. We didn't let Kvaratskhelia do anything, and that's all. There was discipline and a desire to win. There was a setup and there can be no questions about the guys' dedication. You know, I don't even remember the last time we played with zero goals down (a 4-0 victory over Moldova in a friendly - V.G.'s note).

I really liked the fact that every player tried to play defense, tried to take the ball away from the Georgians when they tried to press. It's been a long time since I've seen that, even Mudryk and Shaparenko were aggressive enough in the selection. That's why we "put out" the Georgians, and they have a really good team now.

- Everyone is probably satisfied with the final score: the fans, Rebrov, analysts, and you and me. But... As for me, the game itself was very dull. Two shots on target. The same formidable Dovbyk, who is gradually starting to tear apart Roma's rivals in Serie A, was not visible at all.

- It is clear that Ukraine's game was far from perfect. I repeat, it was very good that none of the players were afraid to get dirty doing the menial work, and everyone worked hard in defense. The price of victory was high, so maybe that's why we played like that, i.e. not very brightly in attack. The main thing is that there is a result, and the game will come and Dovbyk will prove himself.

And it is very important that our injured guys get back on their feet, too many of them could not help Ukraine against Georgia and, unfortunately, they will not help against the Czech Republic (Oleksandr Zinchenko, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Viktor Tsygankov, Andriy Yarmolenko, Taras Stepanenko and Andriy Lunin, Volodymyr Brazhko are currently on sick leave - approx. V.G.).

- Were you surprised by the starting eleven of Ukraine with Kalyuzhny in the supporting area, Taloverov in the center of defense and Hutsulyak on the right flank of the midfield? Some even called this combination of players an "experimental lineup".

- It was life that forced Rebrov to field such a lineup. I wasn't surprised when I saw the starting lineup, because who else but Kalyuzhnyi was supposed to play in the supporting area? Stepanenko and Brazhko are currently injured. That's why Ivan's appearance was predictable.

Hutsulyak is also looking good in games for Polissia and also deserved his chance and took it, because he played well. Oleksiy has enough experience. And Taloverov, no matter what anyone says, is not a bad central defender either. I will say this - Rebrov guessed right with the lineup.

- Will Kalyuzhny be able to displace the aging Stepanenko? Or at least secure a place in Ukraine's application for the next matches?

- Stepanenko is Stepanenko. Kalyuzhny has a long way to go to reach Taras's level, but he has all the necessary qualifications. In two days, in the match against the Czech Republic, it will become clear whether Ivan will receive another invitation from Rebrov, because he played well against the Georgians, but you need to demonstrate stability not only in one game, but constantly. Therefore, it is too early to draw any conclusions about Kalyuzhnyi.

- The fans recognized Mudryk as the Lion of the Match. Do you agree?

- If I have to single out someone, even though I don't like to do it, then yes - Mykhailo deserved the title of the best player in the match against Georgia, one hundred percent. Mudryk showed that he can be a leader on the field.

- Rebrov does not deviate from his trademark 4-5-1 tactics and, given that it gave the result the day before, should we expect a rotation in the match against the Czech Republic?

- I don't think so. If there are any changes in the starting lineup, they will be minimal. Again, we must understand that Rebrov has a limited choice of players now. He [Rebrov] knows better who to line up for the game against the Czech Republic, because he understands who is in what physical condition.

As for the upcoming match in general, I'll say this: if the Ukrainians come out for the match against the Czechs with the same attitude, charged and angry as against Georgia, they should win.

Viktor Hlukhenkyi