Former midfielder of the Ukrainian national team Sergiy Tkachenko expressed his opinion on whether the national team currently needs a change of head coach.
— Sergiy, does the Ukrainian national team currently need a change of head coach?
— I am sure it does not. I understand that the Ukrainian national team has not started the World Cup qualifying tournament successfully, but I believe that inviting a new coach will not bring the changes that fans expect. It’s hard for me to say anything without knowing the situation within the team. And what serious coach would take over a team in such a difficult position.
— But let’s assume that the position of head coach of the Ukrainian national team is currently vacant. What candidates do you see for this position?
— This is no less complicated question. I have read that a well-known coach should be at the helm. I categorically disagree with those who say that we need to trust the position to a coach of the old formation. The name Ruslan Rotan was also mentioned. I think this is a good option, but it’s a long-term prospect. This specialist has just taken over «Polissya», and combining two positions is inappropriate. But to summarize the question, I would say that right now I would keep Sergiy Rebrov.
— Then the last question. Will the Ukrainian national team get out of the group?
— Why not be optimistic? Only two rounds have passed. Yes, we are not in the best position. However, on October 10, there is a match against Iceland. If Ukraine wins, everything in our group will turn upside down. And what’s the point of changing the head coach then (smiles)? These are not just loud words, but when our national team puts itself in a corner, a lot of things start to work out, and there are many examples of this. So let these be loud words, but I believe that we will leave Iceland with three points.
Sergiy Demianchuk
