Andriy Shevchenko: “Everyone is well aware that with a positive result we will increase our chances of leaving the group. So guys are focused »

08.10.2019 21:20

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference at USC Metalist in Kharkiv, where an open training session of the national team is taking place today.

- The team has gathered, everything is fine, - Andriy Shevchenko started talking to the media. - The only thing that worries me - Mykolenko has a small microtrauma. He did an examination, let's look at the severity of the damage, and then we will make a decision. Vitaly will not train for several days.

- What is the team's program for the current training camp? How big will the rotation for the match with Lithuania be compared to the match in Vilnius?

- Today according to the training schedule, tomorrow a double lesson. Then the pre-match lesson and the match itself. This is a small microcycle consisting of two games. As for rotation, it's hard for me to talk about it yet. The team has just gathered. Let's look at the condition of the guys after a few workouts and then we will decide on the composition.

- The group leader and the outsider meet on Friday. Is it possible to underestimate the opponent on the part of your wards?

- Definitely not. We talked to them about this topic. We have the most important match ahead of us. Everyone understands that with a positive result we will increase our chances of leaving the group. That's why the guys are focused. Everyone is set up for serious matches. Especially since we play at home and hope that the spectators will come. We invite all fans to the stadium. Please come and support the team.

- The second matches in paired rounds are usually not easy for our team. What is the way out of this situation, apart from rotation?

- Now the task is to win the first match. To talk about some rotation, we need to hold a meeting with Lithuania. We must achieve the desired result, and we will talk about the second match later.

- Have you decided who will play on the flanks in defense?

- As I said, we have a microcycle. Today and tomorrow we hold two training sessions plus a pre-match session. After that, we will decide which performers will appear on the field. Mykolenko, as I said, just did a survey. The doctor must look, analyze his condition. Within two days we will determine who will prepare for the game.

- How can you comment on the rumors about your transfer to Milan?

- I already gave information about it. I have a contract with the national team. There was not even a thought of leaving her. We have a task ahead of us, and I believe in our team. I'm going to work out my contract to the end.

- Two years ago, after qualifying for the World Cup, you told the fans that they can book tickets for the Euro. Will the goal be achieved in October?

- I have been working on this for a very long time. There are the last matches left, in which it will be determined who will go to the tournament. I hope this promise will be fulfilled.

- Oleksandr Zinchenko has now dropped out of the Manchester City starting lineup. How much does it psychologically affect the player?

- He is in good condition. In big clubs rotation is actively used, therefore, Zinchenko did not fall out of the cage in any case. Coaches always make such decisions when there are a lot of games. Sasha is in excellent condition, arrived in a good mood, like all our other players.