Well-known Ukrainian coach Yuri Virt, commenting on the failed start of the Ukrainian national team in the qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup (Ukraine — France — 0:2, Azerbaijan — Ukraine — 1:1), stood up for the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Sergey Rebrov.
— I am also dissatisfied with the performance of Sergey Rebrov’s players in the opening matches against France and Azerbaijan. But I didn’t like that all the criticism was directed solely at the coach. The responsibility for the result also lies with the players.
— But often after unsuccessful matches, it’s the coaches who take the blame.
— That’s not entirely correct. Of course, there are cases when, above all, the coach “messed up,” but the players also have a lot to do with it.
— Then clarify, did Sergey Rebrov make a mistake in Baku regarding the starting lineup or tactics?
— To be honest, I also do not always understand what guides Rebrov when selecting certain players. But that’s his right, because he is the one responsible for the result. On the other hand, we do not have information about what goes on behind the scenes, though the facts speak for themselves: the play of the Ukrainian national team does not create a cohesive impression.
Why? First and foremost, it’s worth asking the players. After all, they all receive instructions on how to act in various situations, which means they failed their mission. There were motivation issues in Baku, which hindered them from making a breakthrough in difficult moments.
— After another loss of points, there are plenty of fans and experts demanding that Sergey Rebrov resign. What do you think?
— This resignation will not bring any benefits. I have remarks about the composition of the national team, but given the short time left before the October break caused by the national team matches, the new coach simply won’t have time to adapt with the players, so we might not see improvements.
— Then, what is the way out, what needs to be done for us to be taken seriously again?
— In my opinion, something is wrong with the microclimate in the national team. It feels like the players are not giving their maximum effort. And this is unacceptable right now, during this difficult time for Ukraine. It also seems that there are no leaders in the team, both on the field and in the locker room.
Fortunately, not everything is lost yet. I hope that by the October matches involving the national teams, the right conclusions will be drawn and already in the next match — against the Icelanders, we will again see that Ukrainian national team that recently challenged even top opponents.
Andrey Pysarenko