Andriy Shevchenko: “There will definitely be changes in the match with Nigeria”

09.09.2019 21:23

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference ahead of the friendly match with Nigeria.

- It is very nice to come to the Dnieper, - said Andriy Shevchenko at the beginning of the conversation with the media. - The last time the national team played here was 10 years ago and held a successful match, beating the British. I am very happy to be here and I invite all the fans to come to the stadium tomorrow and support the team.

- And what comes to your mind first when you remember the match with England?

- It was a difficult fight, very important. We beat a good team. Warm memories of both the match itself and the great support of the stands.

- Which of your wards will not play tomorrow?

- I can't say for sure. There are no microtraumas, everyone trains. But I can assure you that there will definitely be changes.

- Everyone in Dnipro is interested in whether Konoplyanka and Lunin will play. Will the guys get a chance?

- As I said, new faces will appear on the field. Someone will start, someone - a replacement. Today's training will give us information about the condition of the players, and tomorrow we will decide on the lineup. We will give a chance to those who played less.

- Why did you choose Nigeria as your rival in the friendly match?

- First of all, now it is difficult to find a European team as a rival, because everyone participates in the qualifying round. There are very few teams that do not play during this period. Some agreed in advance. That's why we found a very good team, the winner of the Africa Cup of 2019. The Nigerian national team is physically strong, with good performers, most of whom play in England. Therefore, tomorrow's match will be very interesting.

- Yevhen Konoplyanka has been the leader of the national team for a long time, but now there is a lot of competition in his position. How much does it psychologically motivate him?

- Eugene's condition is assessed by the coaching staff. I enjoy working in this team, because all the guys are taught one hundred percent. During the summer, Konoplyanka was waiting for a transfer, so he dropped out of the training process. We all know and understand his condition very well. I am very glad that he transferred to Shakhtar. This is a plus for him, for the new team, and for the whole of Ukraine. Eugene represents the national team, and it is very important that he plays. But whether he will come on the field tomorrow will be determined by the coaching staff. It is important that it takes shape.