Today, September 8, on the eve of the World Cup 2026 qualifying match against the Azerbaijan national team in Baku, Ukraine national team head coach Sergey Rebrov held a press conference.
Sergey Rebrov (photo: uaf.ua)
— Today’s top news — the dismissal of Fernando Santos from the position of head coach of the Azerbaijan national team. What is your reaction, and how will this affect the preparation for tomorrow's match?
— Of course, this affects our preparation, we will make the necessary adjustments. We presented the players with information about the opposing team, highlighting how they play in attack and defense.
But it’s important what we show tomorrow. I believe the team will be ready for any playing style from Azerbaijan.
— Where will we see Alexander Zinchenko tomorrow — in the midfield, or on the wing?
— Wait for tomorrow’s game and you will see. In general, when Alexander is on the field, he greatly contributes to the team regardless of the position. He plays with his heart, he plays for Ukraine. Even without game practice at Arsenal, when he comes to the national team, I don’t even feel that he hasn’t played a single match this season. I’m convinced he will get playing time at Nottingham Forest now.
— In the match against France, we saw three debutants in the national team composition, and we also witnessed a victorious opening game of the youth national team of Ukraine. Are you satisfied with how the national team system, particularly Unai Melgosa’s youth team, is functioning right now?
— Yes, I am satisfied. I think it’s important that the players in the youth team have the goal of getting into the national team. It’s crucial to understand that being called up to the national team depends on how they perform in the youth ranks.
And in general, the national team’s football is what you showcase today. It’s important for the national team that a player demonstrates consistency, as there is competition for every position. If there’s consistency, then there’s a chance to establish oneself within the national team. The players who came off the bench in the match against the French national team earned this chance. They gained important experience for the future.
— For the first time in many years, Ukrainian clubs will not play in the Champions League group stage. How has this fact affected the performance of the national team?
— Unfortunately, our clubs now have to go through qualifications, as our club ranking has dropped. Our country is currently at war, and it is difficult to maintain the level under such conditions.
For me, it’s important that Ukrainian clubs are represented in European competitions. It’s important to represent our country at this level. I hope, and I’m confident about this, that next year we will fight for a place in the Champions League.
— What is Georgiy Sudakov’s mental state after yesterday’s news that a drone hit his house in Kyiv?
— Unfortunately, we are all in such a situation. When I tell the players— and this is very important— to focus on the game, there’s an understanding that everyone has family in Ukraine and they are in constant contact. Everyone returns to Ukraine, monitoring the news. Unfortunately, this has now happened to Georgiy. It has happened to other players before when their family members found themselves in similar situations. But I believe this will motivate the players. We understand for which country we are playing, what fighters we represent here on the European stage. All of this will boost our players' motivation, and tomorrow they will be more determined.
— Now you will be playing against a very weak team, do you think your team will have an easy victory tomorrow?
— I think tomorrow will be a tough game. I hope our players do not listen to this press conference. Because when teams change coaches, it can be perceived differently. I do not consider the Azerbaijan national team to be weak. I watched their games, particularly the first half against Iceland— I do not think that the Azerbaijan national team played very poorly. They played organized, but unfortunately didn’t create chances.
Tomorrow will be a challenging game. We will do everything to ensure that the players understand this and strive for the result from the first minute.
