Ruslan Malinowski: "After the game with the Czech Republic, we have every chance to take first place in the group"

13.10.2018 12:02

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Ukraine midfielder Ruslan Malinovsky told how the national team was preparing for the League of Nations match against the Czech Republic and mentioned the game of blue and yellow against Italy in Genoa:

- Today we dedicated another day to recovery, because after the match in Italy there was a late eviction, a flight to Ukraine. Rested, and now work will begin before the match with the Czech Republic.

- Have you already analyzed the match with Italy?

- No, but we are waiting for the analysis of this match, as well as preparation for the meeting with the Czechs. We will have two theoretical classes. It was a difficult game with a good team. More such fights are needed.

- If the national team of Ukraine beats the Czech Republic in Kharkiv, is it secured the first place in the group of the League of Nations?

- Let's see how the game between the Czech Republic and Slovakia will end. If the Czechs win, we will definitely be in the first place.

- Ukraine is preparing for the League of Nations match for a week, and the Czech Republic - for a few days. Will we have an advantage?

- Given the fatigue of the Czechs, we need to play aggressively from the first minutes, to press the opponent, not to allow him to counterattack.

- How did the national team meet the newcomers - Kulach and Plastun?

- We all waited for them and will accept guys as it is necessary.

- How do you remember the first game with the Czechs?

- We then made life difficult for ourselves. We need to play our football in Kharkiv. If we do not sharpen and press the opponent, speed up the game, then we will have problems. Maximum concentration is required.