Andriy Shevchenko: “We specifically focused on young players, we see their perspective. Some got an advance ... »

13.11.2018 20:01

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Ukrainian national team started preparing until the last matches this season - with Slovakia and Turkey. Today, before the open training of the national team of Ukraine at the NSC Olimpiysky, the coach of the blue-yellows Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference for the media.

- Good evening! Thank you for coming to our press conference. We made it especially for you, realizing that the year is coming to an end. Now the team will have two away games, and not everyone will be able to get to them.

- Everyone is interested in what Paolo Maldini did in Ukraine. It was very unexpected to see him. What was that visit?

- It was a private visit, not related to football. We met, talked. Paolo arrived, attended the team event. We were all pleased.

- These two matches have no tournament significance, one of them is friendly. But do they probably matter to the team's prospects? What do you and the coaching staff need to see in these matches?

- Of course, these two matches are very important. We specially selected the lineup, focused on young players. Many of them were called up to the national team, we see their perspective. Some received an advance. Many have proved themselves well in the national championship. When they will be given such a chance - to show themselves. The year is coming to an end, we have already solved the tournament tasks. We take certain risks, giving young people a chance, because they do not have the experience of playing at this level. We will give the opportunity to reveal your talent in these games as much as possible.

- Can we expect Andrei Lunin to appear on the field?

- Every player we invite has a chance to enter the field. Andrew, like all three goalkeepers, has a chance to come out. And we will decide just before the game.

- Please comment on the decision to postpone the match with the Turkish national team from Dnipro to Antalya.

- The postponement of the match was associated with certain problems. And the federation clearly explained its position. This match was scheduled in Ukraine. The decision has already been made - we will play in Turkey. I don't see any mistakes here.

- Many young players who received a good press have been called up to the national team. What advice would you give them based on your experience to justify advances?

- Young people have a chance, and how they will use it is the second question. They have talent, they have a chance, and our task is to help them open up.

- Will the players have no relaxation in the qualifying matches for the European Championship because there is an opportunity to reach the Euro through the League of Nations?

- First of all, with regard to Euro 2020, we must first wait for the draw. I guarantee that none of the players will have such opinions.

- Earlier you said that Roman Bezus is not suitable for the national team ...

- We considered Bezus's candidacy when we had a shortage of players. Unfortunately, he was injured then. We called players who had playing practice. The novel is progressing and he is one of the candidates for the national team. If necessary, we will call him. And to change his playing position a bit is not a problem.

- Eugene Khacheridi said that he sees no point in coming to the national team and not playing in the main lineup. How do you feel about such statements?

- Only motivated players will come to the national team. They must be ready to go on the field, both in the main lineup and at any other time of the match. This is the only motivation. It will be difficult for us to work with footballers who will come and wait until they are released.

- Marian Shved received a call. In what position do you plan to use it?

- Many of the young players who played for the youth team got a chance to prove themselves. The Swede showed himself well both there and at the club. Today is his first challenge, let's see, maybe we will change his position on the field a bit. I know how we can use it.

It will be recalled that Andriy Shevchenko's wards will play a match against Slovakia in the group stage of the League of Nations on November 16, and a control match with Turkey on November 20.