Former Kyiv «Dynamo» striker Victor Leonenko shared his impressions from the Ukraine vs Azerbaijan (2:1) match in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Victor Leonenko— Victor Yevgenovych, what can you say about the Ukraine vs Azerbaijan match, did you like the performance of Rebrov’s players?
— Let me start by congratulating our team. I was pleased that there were chances, which is already good. They also executed well. This shows that Serhiy [Rebrov] is working on the attack, and I congratulate him on this implementation. Well done, what else can I say.
But the fear in the players and the coach probably remains. After we scored, we dropped back again. There was a small period when the Azerbaijanis turned into Brazilians and almost trampled our players. It’s good that we regrouped after conceding and won. I would like all this to continue and not disappear anywhere.
— Did Azerbaijan surprise you with anything?
— No surprise. They play just like «Qarabag» — score and immediately everyone sits in defense.
— Let’s analyze our conceded goal.
— It seems to me that Rebrov doesn’t see the right wing sagging. It’s good that Hutsulyak scores, but Konoplia can’t defend at all. The conceded goal again came from his wing. Hutsulyak didn’t make it, although there was a mishit from Zabarnyi, professionally termed as «sniffed the ball.» Illia can be said to have started Azerbaijan’s attack. That happens too.
Now you can think about whether he is worth 90 million or not. But I have nothing against Zabarnyi in general. He’s a normal defender, a good guy, and everyone makes mistakes.
— Were there any surprises from Rebrov in the starting lineup of the Ukraine national team?
— I didn’t quite get why Rebrov benched Kalyuzhnyi, considering he scored against Iceland.
— Most likely, Rebrov did it because against Azerbaijan, there was little need to defend and more to attack.
— As a rule, you don’t change a winning lineup. But I don’t want to talk about staffing decisions; that’s the head coach’s business.
— How did you find Dovbyk’s game in this match?
— Dovbyk holds on and passes. Artem played well in this game, much more useful than Vanat against Iceland.
— What do you say about Yarmolyuk, who returned after an injury and replaced Shaparenko in the starting lineup?
— The most important thing is that the head coach liked him. It’s pleasing that Serhiy isn’t afraid to change any player. Essentially, he’s only recently started doing this. Previously, due to journalists, Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko were indispensable in the national team, and now there are no such players.
Yarmolyuk is definitely not worse than Shaparenko. He played at a good level. I think if he stays healthy, he will also play in the starting lineup in the next game.
— Did Voloshyn adequately replace Sudakov on the left?
— Voloshyn is currently the best player of Dynamo; he also looks worthy in the national team. I don’t want to praise too much because players immediately become more expensive, but September-October is Voloshyn’s month. I wish him success.
— Fans chose Malinovskyi as the «Lion of the Match,» do you agree with the choice?
— For me, the best player is Hutsulyak. Not only because he scored with his head, although usually our midfielders can’t play with their heads, and because he excellently hit with his left and passed it to Malinovskyi. Not every player can make such an assist.
— Malinovskyi played very well for the second game in a row.
— And again scored with his right (laughs, — A. P. note). But again, it was a shooting range. This goal belongs more to Hutsulyak than Malinovskyi. I want to congratulate Butkevych. In these two matches, Hutsulyak was everywhere. After such games, his price has increased significantly.
— Can you note anyone with a negative sign, were there any players who stood out in a negative way in our team?
— Konoplia always plays below his level, even when he scores. I’ll say for the hundredth time — he absolutely can’t defend. It’s strange why Rebrov doesn’t see this. I don’t want to advise, but I would place Mykhaylichenko on the right wing.
Sometimes the team captain also surprises me, as he looks very weak. Matviyenko has significantly declined. Maybe he caught a star. Lately, I really don’t like him.
— In the 84th minute of the match, Rebrov introduced Bondar as the third central defender. Was this to maintain a minimal victory?
— There could be many options. Perhaps he introduced him because he’s been called up. It’s unpleasant for players when you’re called up, but in the end, not used (although Svatok, who flew from overseas, remained unused in both matches, — Sport-express.ua note). Plus, there was a fear of conceding, and Rebrov decided to solidify the defense. By the way, I’ve come up with new nicknames for our players.
— What are they?
— Punks. They all have the same haircuts, shaved temples, as is fashionable now. The exception is Zabarnyi, who walks around with a hairband.
— Iceland drew with France. How will this match result affect our prospects?
— For the Ukraine national team, this result isn’t very good, considering the competition with the Icelanders for the second place. But the fight continues. The game with the Icelanders will be difficult in the last round, they are a dangerous team scoring in every match, whereas we don’t always do. The Icelanders don’t play brightly either, but they always create chances. That’s what makes them dangerous.
— We are only three points behind the French. What do you expect from the game against Deschamps' team on November 13?
— You can win against any team. Based on Ukraine’s recent matches, you can hope for a positive result, but it depends on whether we will have chances and how the French will approach this game. France against Iceland most likely relaxed, but when they need to, they gather themselves.
Of course, we’ll cheer for our own, but for me, the main thing is quality, not goals. It will be an indicator if we confidently outplay the French, not by accident. The victories over Iceland and Azerbaijan are absolutely deserved and confident.
Also, if we beat the French, our people, who don’t understand football, will start saying that it’s time for us to win the World Cup. Half of our national team, if not all, will immediately catch a star. So it’s better not to make predictions here. Let’s see how we play against France.
Andriy Piskun
