Famous Ukrainian coach Vyacheslav Grozny commented on the list of players called up to the Ukrainian national team for the November matches of the Nations League—against Georgia (November 16) and Albania (November 19).
«We have a head coach responsible for the result. My view is that we should not criticize. He, along with his staff, conducts a lot of work that goes unnoticed by most. This is taking into account the details—specifically, individual communication with players, how recovery after injuries is going, who plays, who doesn't, who the coach knows better.
Or the aspect in the club—Dovbik scores in “Roma”, but not everything is going well in the team. The psychological component is also important.
Yarmolenko was not called up—maybe Andriy himself said that at his age there is no point in sitting out. If Tsygankov is healthy, then he is most likely contributing on the field. And Hutsulyak plays regularly, Nazarенко too.
These are all big professionals; they communicate. As a coach, I know this—I also talked with my players when I didn't include them, for example, in the starting lineup. There is always a conversation with each one.
In the holding area, there are experienced Sidorchuk and Stepanenko, but they have been playing less frequently. Meanwhile, Brazhko and Kalyuzhny are constantly playing. Of course, I talked with them too. I’m sure Rebrov called Serhiy and wished for him to play for “Westerlo.” The same with Stepanenko. This is just the situation.
Zinchenko also lacks game practice; the competition there is quite high. But he does get called up. Why? Because the coach understands that he can cover several positions. I would see him in the central triangle—but there is an oversupply of players there. It’s impossible to think that Shaparenko or Sudakov won’t play. Plus, there are versatile players, like Krysyk.
Versatile defenders—Matvienko, Mykolenko. Therefore, maybe there really is no sense in calling Svatok from MLS who won’t play. But he is on the reserve list because there are still two matches this week—someone, God forbid, might get injured. And there is still a place for the 26th.
Sikan was not called—there are already 4 forwards, which is quite a lot. Or Buialskyi is out—because Yarmolyuk and Krysik have already been called for that position. Yarmolyuk plays little, but he was called to familiarize himself with the national team. This is for the future.
Mudryk has little practice. But, listen, I'm surprised that he has even that much given the competition at “Chelsea.” Kabayev is out—objectively, it’s unlikely he will be in the starting lineup. I like Vladislav, but like Yarmolenko, he needs to prove himself with “Ferencvaros.” So that Rebrov could say: “Ah no, they are needed.” It all depends on them.
There are various nuances that Rebrov takes into account, but does not mention.
Of course, it would be easier for you, journalists, if Rebrov voiced what I just said. But he won’t speak because he is already focused on the two matches he wants to win. He is already mentally there. This is what I can say,» — said Grozny.