Taras Stepanenko: “To fulfill tactical instructions and to make the most of it is our task”

15.10.2018 18:53

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Together with the head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andrii Shevchenko press conferences on the eve of the match with the Czech Republic in the League of Nations participated the midfielder of the national team Taras Stepanenko.

- Taras, the collections have not been together for so long…

- The national team always has a great microclimate, a lot of jokes. In fact, we don't spend much time together to get bored. Our program is full of events, we prepare in a wonderful atmosphere.

- Probably, the whole team watched the game Slovakia - Czech Republic. What are your impressions?

- It was noticeable that the Czechs are very well motivated, although they did not show anything special. However, they won deservedly.

- What did the match with Italy give to the national team of Ukraine?

- Fights with such teams are a higher level. Italian bands are always distinguished by competent tactics, they have individually strong performers. They practiced with us their tactical actions for the game with Poland. For us it was a very good opponent. Such matches are a huge plus for each of our players. If we want to play in Division A of the League of Nations, we need to get used to confronting such teams, to act more aggressively and more flexibly tactically.

- Ukraine will be drawn in tomorrow's match. Will this affect your actions?

- We do not look at it much. We play at home, we have a good team. We will try to win, but we must be careful, do everything that the coaching staff tells us. It is not necessary to throw everything and run all forward. It is our task to follow the tactical instructions and explain as much as possible.

- Did you pay attention to Dochkala while watching the Czech game?

- Yes, the coaches focused on his actions, he made two assists in the match against Slovakia. But I don't think it's Ronaldo's or Messi's second. We must pay attention to the entire opposing team. If we are focused, we will be able to neutralize it.