Andriy Shevchenko: "Today we will hold a training session, after which a sleepless night is probably waiting for me ..."

10.10.2019 19:43

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko spoke with media representatives at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game with Lithuania in the Euro-2020 selection.

- How does the team feel on the eve of the match with Lithuania - confidence, calm or courage?

- Unequivocally, the team has confidence. It is important to achieve a positive result, and for us it is only a victory. We play at home, we have big goals. The players are ready for the match, they want to show good football and the result.

— How do the guys feel? Are there any staffing problems?

- Mykolenko is fine. He did not even have an injury, but a certain discomfort. We gave him a few days to recover, conducted testing. Yesterday Vitaly had a full training and will be preparing for the game. The same applies to other players - all are in optimal shape.

— Can you recall your goal at the goal of Alexander Filimonov in connection with the 20th anniversary of this match?

- It was so long ago… Time flies fast. It was a very important fight. We achieved a result that allowed us to take second place in the group and move on. It was a principled match. When a striker approaches the ball, he always tries to hit the goal. Serving - a blow, the man was wrong. If you do not hit the gate in such situations, you will not make the goalkeeper wrong. It's in the past, but still nice. Is this goal special? In that selection we got to the same group with Russia, there was an important match. Of course, he was very memorable.

— Are the players and coaches preparing for the match with Lithuania with the understanding that in the event of tomorrow's victory, we are 99,9% away for Euro 2020?

- I absolutely do not agree with it. We have a task to win tomorrow's match. The national team must hold all matches at a certain level. I do not think that in the event of a victory over Lithuania, we will completely decide the fate of the qualifying round. And I convey this mood to the guys. First of all, because they have a responsibility to the fans for the result. The standings indicate that there are options. This must be taken into account and tuned in to win every fight.

— Recently, in the paired rounds, the national team of Ukraine demonstrates a more confident game in the first matches. Have you noticed this trend? Can this cause difficulties?

- I don't know what will happen in the second match. First of all, we must hold the first. Victory is very important for us, I prepare the guys for the game with Lithuania. After this meeting we will look at the result and we will move forward.

— Do you have any premonitions for the game?

- One premonition - only victory.

— The team is now stunningly challenged, especially on the flanks. Have you already decided who will start?

- Today we will hold a training session, after which I will probably have a sleepless night. This is an important point, because all the attacking players are in very good shape. This choice of performers is a plus for me. Let's think, we'll decide tomorrow.