On Thursday, November 13, the Ukrainian national team will play its fifth World Cup 2026 qualifying match in Paris against the French national team. A pre-match press conference was held by the head coach of the «yellow-blue» Serhiy Rebrov.
— Serhiy Stanislavovych, is the national team’s lineup more combative this time compared to the previous matches?
— There are always injuries, it’s a normal situation for any team. There are fewer now. Those who have come are giving their all. For example, Voloshyn performed very well against Iceland. I am happy with all the guys who come and play for Ukraine.
— Many players have yellow cards. Are you planning rotations to protect them from suspension for the match against Iceland?
— I don’t differentiate matches by importance: both the game against France and the game against Iceland are crucial. We are preparing seriously for each one. In the first match against France, we had chances and could have equalized the score. We learned from it and will try to earn points tomorrow.
— How will you manage the team’s strength between the two matches, considering the short interval between them?
— You’ll see everything tomorrow. We understand the situation, but right now it’s important to focus only on the upcoming match. The players who will take the field are ready to fight against France.
— Is there currently a lot of psychological pressure on the team, considering the strength of the opponent?
— There is always pressure in the national team. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is — France or another team. We have a task to advance to the playoffs, so psychological tension is always present.
— Are you satisfied with the current team’s lineup?
— Yes, I am satisfied. There are injuries, but those who have come have the necessary level and desire. We have called enough players to fulfill the task.
— This time the team gathered directly in France, without preparatory days in Poland. Could this affect the preparation?
— I don’t think so. There is a bit less time, but this day is mostly used for recovery. Due to the complex logistics of Ukrainian teams, full training is difficult, so now the main focus is on tactics and recovery.