Andriy Shevchenko: "The match with Nigeria was very important, we received a lot of valuable information"

11.09.2019 02:29

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko gave an assessment of the match with Nigeria at the post-match press conference.

- I would like to just note the crazy support of the fans and thank them for it, - said the coach of the blue-yellows at the beginning of the conversation with the media.   

- Can we assume that with Lithuania the national team showed class and showed character today?

- There was both. The main thing is that the team did not betray its principles today - it tried to control the ball, played in many ways, interestingly, created a lot of moments.

In the first half, we lacked balance. There were too many bugs, cropping. After the break, we made adjustments and changed the structure of the game. In the second half the team came out with a firm intention to secure a positive result, and I am grateful to the players for their dedication.

There was no invasion on our part, there was control due to short and medium gears. There may have been fewer interceptions, but they were more effective due to the fact that the ball in the middle of the field moved very well, we were less wrong.

- What were the floors with?'related errors in missed goal episodes?

- First of all, with the loss of team balance. We play with a lot of players in the other half. In the case of pruning in the middle of the field, especially in a meeting with such a fast and physically well-prepared team as Nigeria, it leads to such problems. After the break, we acted more carefully.

- What is the condition of Junior Moraes?

- Nothing serious, he suffered a muscle injury, so he was replaced.

- Was it difficult for the national team to play without Taras Stepanenko?

- Today was a match in which we showed ourselves to many, so maybe it was not the best coordination. This is normal. We deliberately took such a risk.

- How can you evaluate Andriy Lunin's game?

- He played at his very high level. Given his age and lack of playing practice, you can even say, just great.

- Did the match help to identify problems? Is the team still far from ideal?

- It is very difficult to find an ideal at all. The team is moving in the right direction. It is impossible to compare today's match with the previous one, against Lithuania, these are completely different teams made up of players who play in different championships. But today's game was very important, we got a lot of valuable information.

- Seeing how tough the defenders of the Nigerians are, did you make related adjustments during the break?

- Yes, we talked about it during the break. The guys drew attention to the need to act more carefully.

- Did the crazy support of the stands in the second half help change the course of the game? Are you still planning to hold matches in Dnipro?

- It depends on the decision of the football association. We try to give the opportunity to see the team to different regions. The stadium in Dnipro is very good, the match here was great.