The national team of Ukraine continues preparations for two opening matches in the WC-2026 qualifiers — against France (September 5, Wrocław) and Azerbaijan (September 9, Baku). Midfielder Georgiy Sudakov shared his expectations for the upcoming matches.
Georgiy Sudakov. Photo: UAF“I still don’t fully understand that I came to the national team for the first time as a legionnaire. To be honest, I didn’t even think about it. I became a player of Benfica very quickly. When I was in Lisbon for two or three days and signed the contract, I still couldn’t believe it. Even when I arrived at the training base, trained, met the team, I still had a feeling that it was some kind of dream.
The first reports about my possible transfer were written by Portuguese media, and about a week and a half ago, I saw the news that there was interest in me. However, over the past couple of years, many teams have been interested in me, so I didn’t pay much attention to it. I found out from my agent that Benfica’s interest was serious and that there were some conditional agreements when he called me on the evening of August 24, shortly before the match against Servette. He said that there is serious interest from Benfica, and perhaps you will fly from Geneva to Lisbon.
The hardest part was the waiting. Those four to five days when you don’t understand whether the issue will be resolved or not. The transfer window is ending, and it seems that they say the clubs have agreed, but you don’t know anything about it; no one has discussed personal terms with you. The tension builds up. So, first and foremost, I focused on my game against Servette. It was an important match. It’s good that Shakhtar won and made it to the main round of the Conference League. Then at night I agreed on terms with Benfica.
Has my level of motivation and drive increased after the transfer? It’s hard to say, but it feels like I was reborn. It feels like you’re starting everything again from a blank slate. In Shakhtar, you’ve already gone through a certain stage, but here you have to start over. Benfica is a big step forward for me. I stepped out of my comfort zone and understand how interesting it is to start the process with a new team, with new partners, coaches, and to learn new football aspects.
I haven’t received any special tips from Anatoliy Trubin. We’ve been in constant contact; he sent me the contact details of a girl for learning Portuguese. I will try to study the language two or three days a week — to learn at least the basics. It will make communication in the team easier for me, although almost everyone speaks English. But still, it’s good to step up my knowledge and communicate with the coach, teammates — and in everyday life — in Portuguese.
The infrastructure of Benfica is simply amazing. I was at the stadium and at the base. Everything is set up for you to develop and play. Lisbon is a wonderful city. The weather, the delicious food, there are a lot of Ukrainians. When we settle all our logistical issues in a few months, it will be psychologically easier. Right now, I’m worried about my family’s move, plus my pregnant wife and a small child. Thoughts about apartments, a car, how to transport our belongings... When all of this is settled, it will be much easier.
What will the national team gain from this? Another legionnaire. I’ve always said that we have talented footballers in Ukraine. I saw Vanat’s interview where he said that the level of the Ukrainian championship is low right now. However, it’s very hard to play in every match. Whether against Epicenter, or against Veres or Dynamo. Each match in the league is very tough, especially when you play for Shakhtar. All teams come out against you as if it’s the last match. But maybe the level of intensity in the game, the quality of the fields is lacking. European competitions represent a whole different level. And for the national team, the fact that more players will play at the highest level, in the Champions League, is positive. I and Zabarniy, who moved to PSG, will be playing in the Champions League. Anatoliy Trubin is with me. Plus those players who perform in England and Italy. For Mykolenko and Yarmolyuk in the EPL, every match feels like a Champions League match. I think the national team will benefit from this,” Sudakov said.
