Ivan Zotko: “The British have problems in defense. It is necessary to consider these points ... »

27.03.2018 15:40

Defender of the youth national team of Ukraine Ivan Zotko before the game of the qualifying round of the European Championship (U-21) against England spoke about the recent control match in Slovenia and preparations for the match with the British, which, according to the footballer, will be key for Ukrainian "youth" tournament point of view.

- Ivan, control match in Slovenia with local peers (3: 2) will help the "youth" to better prepare for the match with England?

- I'm sure it will help a lot. In this game we saw our strengths and weaknesses. We didn't meet for a few months, some of the guys didn't have playing practice. Therefore, this match was important, we were able to remember our connections, to play with each other.

— Is the result of sparring with Slovenes natural?

- Yes, we won, now we have a positive mood for the match with England. Despite the fact that the match was friendly, we still knew that the main thing for us was a positive result. Because the mood will be important for the game with the British.

We have already analyzed our mistakes in the meeting with the Slovenes, seen our problems and made conclusions.

- You scored one of the goals. Haven't scored in the national team for a long time?

- The last time it was in a control game with Kyiv's Arsenal.

— Your connection to standards - installation of coaches?

- Of course. After the corner, Pihalyonok dropped the ball, and I managed to punch the goalkeeper between the legs. The main thing is that I felt the moment and was in the right place at the right time.

— Will a goal score psychologically be more confident in front of England?

- With or without a goal, my motivation for the match with the English is already very high. Everyone understands the importance of the upcoming meeting.

— What are the strengths of England?

- We watched her match with the Romanians, which she won - 2: 1. The British are great in attack and counterattack. But there are also problems in defense. In the first half, their opponents could score three or four goals in counterattacks. So, we need to take these points into account and play our game.

- Is the match with England decisive for the youth team?

- There are always chances. But this match will really be key for all the years in the national team for us and for the coaches. If we win - we will continue to play, if not - the team will involve other players.

- How do you assess your form before such a match?

- Everything is fine, there are no problems. There are a few more trainings ahead, I'm sure there will be no problems with readiness.

— How are your club affairs now in the Spanish "Elche"?

- I'm satisfied. We are in second place and are fighting to get to the Primera. I think everything will work out, because we have a good team, we show a decent game. Recently, the coach changed, a specialist came with his principles, very emotional. But he also trusts me. I missed a few games due to injuries, but now everything is fine. I feel the need for this team.