Yevgeny Konoplyanka: “We want to get to League A and reach the Euro-2020 final”

One of the leaders of the national team of Ukraine, Yevhen Konoplyanka, gave an interview to UEFA TV magazine, dedicated to the start of a new tournament - the UEFA League of Nations.

This conversation was included in the story dedicated to the national team of Ukraine. For your attention - the whole interview.

- Eugene, let's start the conversation with congratulations on a good start in the League of Nations - victories over teams The Czech Republic and Slovakia. What thoughts and impressions prevailed after the first victory - on the road over the Czechs?

- Everyone was very happy - the players, coaches, all the staff. The game with the Czech Republic turned out to be exhausting and very emotional. It is good that we managed to end this confrontation in our favor. When the team takes three points on the road, all fatigue simply disappears.

- What, in your opinion, are the main reasons for the success of the Ukrainian national team at the start of the tournament?

- First of all - coordinated team interaction. It felt like we were all playing for each other on the field. Yes, there were some individual actions, for example, from Marlos. But it's not bad when the performer beats four opponents, and then gives a pass! It's great that the team has players like him. Yarmolenko and many other partners also deserve compliments. But in the foreground was the team game. For example, in the Czech Republic we missed, but did not panic, as many teams could do, because no one likes it - to score a goal in the first minutes. However, we were able to get together and show decent football. It should be noted that in our team there are players who can replace anyone and set the necessary pace and tone of the game. It is very important.

- Speaking of individual players, as a rule, the names of Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko are mentioned. How nice is it to be one of the main characters of the national team matches?

- You know, frankly, right now I wouldn't even want to listen to such compliments, because our performance at Euro-2016 is still in my head. Then we didn't play as a team, we weren't one on the field. It was as if people were saying: "Wow, Andriy and Yevhen, what cool flanks!" But where were we then? Today, football requires the superiority of team efforts over individual ones. That's why it's not so important when someone says, "Oh, how cool you are!" What if I beat and the team doesn't play? Without team action there will be no result. So I no longer pay attention to these compliments. You could listen to that when I was 20 and my career was just beginning. Then the player begins to enchant and can enjoy enthusiastic reviews. However, after that you need to grow and move forward, taking adult steps. I think that the most important thing is the team game. It's nice that this is what we have been demonstrating in recent matches.

- How important is a successful start in such a fleeting tournament as the League of Nations?

- Of course, this is important. We played two matches against strong teams, taking the maximum number of points at the start, and we keep the situation under control. Now everything is in our hands. However, I want to note: no matter which team we play with, we always strive to win. Even if we have to face Germany or Spain, we will try to win this match. After all, a draw in games with the grands will not upset us (smiles). Concentration is the most important thing in every match.

- What do you think about the format of the UEFA League of Nations? Due to this tournament, the number of friendly matches decreased. Is this a positive thing for players or not?

- I think it is in favor of football and definitely more interesting for the players. Let's say we play a friendly match against Albania… Agree, not quite that, right? Of course, you can adjust yourself accordingly, because this is a match of the national team. I believe that everyone who goes on the field for the national team is fully trained. But when we know that the match is official, and there is a chance, as now in the League of Nations, to win the right to play in the next draw of this tournament with teams like Germany and Spain, it greatly increases the motivation. In addition, we understand that if we win in the League of Nations group, we will be in the second basket in the draw for the qualifying round of the European Championship, and therefore, in the selection we will play against weaker teams. Already a positive thing, isn't it? The League of Nations is a good opportunity to show ourselves, to prove that we are a difficult team and claim more. If we play well, there is a chance to continue to play at the highest level.

- So, the goal of Ukraine in the League of Nations ...

- Get into League A.

- The League of Nations is part of the qualification for Euro 2020. What do you expect from this tournament and what is your goal?

- The goal is to reach the final tournament of Euro 2020. This is not discussed. As for expectations - I do not like to run ahead. First we have to pass the League of Nations, then we will wait for the draw, see which opponents we will have in the selection, and assess our chances. Let's live today and talk about the next stage, when the League of Nations will end.

- In any case, the team has an unconditional task to reach the final.

- Yes of course. One hundred percent.

- This is the second cycle for you under the leadership of Andriy Shevchenko. What are your impressions of working with him? How long did it take to get used to him as a coach, not a teammate? Was it difficult?

- It was normal for me. I didn't play many matches with Andriy Mykolayovych in one team. I well remember the match against Sweden at Euro 2012, when he scored twice and we won. There were a few more matches. So I'm not used to him as a player. It is quite normal for me that he is now a coach. In addition, he is not alone, he has many assistants, each of whom makes a significant contribution to the training process.

Frankly speaking, it is very nice to work with all the specialists in the national team. This is a big plus for all players and for the head coach. Today's coaches used to be very good players, they are top specialists, the best professionals. We also had Raoul, about whom I can only say kind words: we lost a very cool professional. But this is life, this is football, he has chosen his path, and I wish him success. Now that Oleksandr Shovkovsky has joined the coaching staff, I am sure that his experience will be another plus for us. There are enough experienced people in the team who can explain and suggest how to play and properly prepare for any game.

- Do you have any special feelings about the fact that your coach is probably the greatest legend in Ukrainian football? Is he purely a coach for you?

- The second option. I never perceived him like that ... Maybe because in my youth I was a fan of Juventus, maybe that's why! (Laughs.) No, that's okay with me. With all due respect to Andriy Mykolayovych, when I see him, I can't say that I see a legend. But this is normal in our circle: we see each other every day when we are in the national team, and perhaps because of this I am calm about his achievements in the past.

- Speaking of the current national team of Ukraine, how would you assess its overall potential?

- The prospect is one hundred percent, and it is very good, because we have a lot of young players. I repeat, our great advantage is that we are surrounded by high-quality professionals. We learn from coaches. There are about 20 young players who gain invaluable experience. Even when the boys are not playing, they are listening, watching and learning. I am sure that if they do not stop trying to listen and progress, they will have a great future.

- Can you single out any of the young?

- I consciously do not want to do it, because I remember myself in their place. I read various interviews given by experts and coaches, some said positive things, some - negative ... I must admit: I do not like when I am praised or criticized. I don't like either. It is better not to know anything that is said or written about me. Another thing is a person who understands football. If, say, Andriy Mykolayovych or any other former top football player talks to me, then, of course, I will listen to advice. However, I don't want to single out any of the young players now, because, say, he will read this interview and decide, "Maybe I don't need to work anymore if I'm that okay." This is just an example. Of course, they may ignore my assessments, because I am also an active player, so what can I say to them that is so special? I just know for myself that I don't like it when I read a lot of information. I'd rather focus on the game. I feel how I played - good or bad. If I played badly, I will watch the match and find my weaknesses.

- Recently, experts again noted that the Ukrainian team is changing its style of play under the leadership of Andriy Shevchenko. Do you like these changes - with an emphasis on ball possession? Do you take coaching decisions for granted?

- And who doesn't like to play football when you dominate the field, controlling the ball? When we don't knock him out everywhere, and possession of the ball is more than that of the opponents! This is an obvious advantage. Look at Pep Guardiola. Apparently, he doesn't just urge his team to keep the ball 80 percent of the time. Perhaps this is the foundation of their victories. I really like the current style of the team, because the team has a large group of performers who have all the data to hold the ball and control the game. And in the last matches we did very well. So let's move on in the right direction!

- At one time you were a newcomer, and now you have become one of the most experienced players in the national team. You are seen as a leader. Do you feel like a leader and, accordingly, do you feel additional responsibility on your shoulders?

- Here I agree, I'm not young and even felt it (laughs)! But at the same time, I realize that this is a natural process, and now I have to look at the preparation for the games differently. At first you are a young and promising performer, over time you gain more and more experience. Now I have an age that allows me to take the game situation on the field under my control. Yes, we have a young team, but at the same time experienced. We have enough players who don't even need to be prompted. We just need to look at each other to understand what is wrong and what just needs to change now. Everyone knows which game component he performs best. Let's say I understand that I can go dribbling, someone else knows their trump card and when to use it. We get it. And if we continue to develop in the right direction, I think we will succeed.

- Who is the best footballer you have played with in the same team or against him during your career?

- Well, if against, it's probably Messi. No wonder he was awarded the Golden Ball five times. Yes, I played against him and tried to take the ball a couple of times, but in vain! Something went wrong (laughs). And it's harder to choose the best teammate ... To tell the truth, there were a lot of them. First of all, Dnipro, my home club, is mentioned. There were a lot of players that I enjoyed playing with. For example, in the attack, the same Eugene Seleznyov or Ruslan Rotan, who can give a pass with his eyes closed to you, and you - to them. Probably Ruslan Rotan. The person who takes the balls for you, insures your zone, understands everything. A real captain who supports you at the right time. He gnawed the ball on every square meter of the field.

- Messi and Rotan are a wonderful duo! And can you remember any special attitude before the match, which you remember something? Yes, to permeate…

- In fact, almost every match was like that in Sevilla. Unai Emery was so good at getting his players that everyone had goosebumps. He did it no matter what the tournament was - La Liga, the Spanish Cup or the Europa League. The same can be said about Domenico Tedesco in Schalke. He does it a little differently, but we go out on the field as if in battle. So I left Sevilla and found a similar coach at Schalke. I'm probably lucky to have mentors who have something to learn.

- Can you mark a key moment in your career? Not necessarily a moment in a match or associated with a particular coach. Maybe a moment of your normal life, say, from childhood…

- No I can not. I would remember that. My father was not a football player. Yes, of course, he supports me, but if it concerns the moment that influenced the player's career, then there was no such thing ... Since childhood, I was looking for motivation myself. Wake up at seven, run for training, work… It all depended on me. When he was little, he forced himself to grow faster. Because no one but you is going to train and learn to score goals, right?

the UEFA

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