Andriy Shevchenko: “In the second half the game was difficult because it was necessary to realize the moments in the first”

11.06.2019 02:32

Photo by Yevhen Kraws

Head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference after match with Luxembourg.

- You put up the same squad as against Serbia, and you started making substitutions only at the end of the game…

- The winning team is not changed. The boys were in good condition. Yes, I understood that someone would get tired, and we tried to make replacements. There were problems on the right flank, Karavaev was tired, but Butko took off, so it would be a mistake to break the structure of the game and introduce a new performer.

The main thing is that we have earned three crucial points today. We knew it would be a very difficult game, and we accomplished the task.   

- What instructions did the players hear from you before today's match?

- These are the words that come from the heart. I don't prepare speeches on purpose, but if the guys felt my energy, then I did everything right and was able to choose the right words.   

- How do you assess the condition of the lawn at Arena Lviv three days after the previous match?

- The lawn is wonderful, probably the best in Ukraine. The field withstood two games and several training sessions. It is in perfect condition.

- Why was it so difficult for the national team of Ukraine after the break, but isn't Luxembourg an inconvenient rival for us?

- First of all, it was the second game of two pairs, and it is always difficult. It was the same last time when we played against Portugal before Luxembourg. But the most important thing is the result, the victory we have won.

The game was difficult in the second half because it was necessary to realize the moments in the first. No one wanted to risk it, our team went away a little, the guys took the right positions, tried to score thanks to a quick exit from the defense in attack. Opportunities were, but we did not realize them.

We won, and the reaction of the fans showed that they understood how difficult it was for us and how important it was to achieve this result.

- In general, how do you assess the reception of the national team in Lviv?

- I am very grateful to the people of Lviv for the warm welcome. I can't remember the national team playing two matches in a row at the same stadium, and it was filled to the brim. Thank you to the fans for their real support, it gave us strength and helped us get six points at this stadium.

- How can you assess the tournament position of the national team of Ukraine and its prospects in the fight for the Euro?

- We aimed at these two matches to take six points, so it's too early to talk about anything. First of all, we need to analyze these two fights. We will have a difficult match in September, it is necessary to have a good match. Then it will be possible to talk about our situation and possible options, but so far I do not see in this sense.