Andriy Pyatov: "We have to approach the next matches in the League of Nations without euphoria"

12.09.2018 13:01

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Ukraine national goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov summed up the first two matches of the national team in the League of Nations, in which the blue and yellow defeated the Czech Republic (2: 1) and Slovakia (1: 0).

- Andriy, at the expense of what in the first match Ukraine managed to overcome the resistance of the Czech national team and win a strong-willed victory?

- I think we prepared well for this match and carefully studied all the strengths of the opponent. We played from the attack and won ours. In my opinion, we won quite deservedly, the team looked good, acted balanced. This is primarily the merit of the coaching staff of the national team.

- Now, after analyzing that episode, can you already comment on the Czechs' quick goal in your goal?

- We discussed this ball with the coach, so it's in the past. We will not talk about it.

- How difficult was it to prepare and adjust to the game with Slovakia, because it took place three days after a grueling match in the Czech Republic?

- As for the meeting with the Slovaks, they also studied us, saw our match with the Czechs, our strengths. Therefore, they had a more tactical game, not so bright. Approximately equal opponents met with good performers, and the winner was the one who endured and did to the end what the coach demanded.

- The team successfully started in the League of Nations, scored six points and led the group. How to deal with euphoria and prepare for the next matches?

- Now there will be a pause between the matches of the national team, so this euphoria may not be (smiles). Of course, the next matches should be approached without excessive euphoria, but for all the teams to be in a positive mood, to win, to achieve results in their clubs.

- What do you say about the new tournament in general - the League of Nations? Is he more interesting than friendly matches?

- Of course. Especially since thanks to him we can also get to the European Championship. In addition, it is a short tournament in which each team can prove itself. So, of course, it's interesting.

- Now the national team operates in a new style. How do you play the first number?

- It is obvious that the coach managed to reach the players during the time he spent with us. This is primarily his achievement. He demanded this of us. And we have very technical performers who can take, turn around and play a few touches. If they become more relaxed and listen to the coach, it will not be difficult to play like that with many teams.

- Oleksandr Shovkovsky appeared in the coaching staff of the national team of Ukraine. How did the team react to his new status as Andriy Shevchenko's assistant?

- I have been talking to him for a long time. We had met before, and I knew in advance about his plans. I'm glad for him. He is a legend of our football, he was a very smart player, and as a person he is very smart. He will only help our team.

- You are an experienced goalkeeper, and a young goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, appeared in the national team. Are you already sharing your experience with him?

- He will be handed over by coaches (smiles). I can help him with something in life, as they once helped me. He is talented, I believe and know that he will achieve a lot. I see that thanks to his human qualities, Lunin will achieve exactly the goal he sets for himself.

- Shakhtar will start in the Champions League soon. What do you expect from the next season in the European Cups?

- The Champions League is a very interesting tournament. I like to play against teams with which Shakhtar has not yet crossed paths there. Therefore, the first game in Kharkiv against Hoffenheim promises to be difficult, but interesting. We are waiting in the stands of our fans. We will, like last season, fight to leave the group, because we have every reason to do so.