Andriy Shevchenko: "In the match with Switzerland we will give a chance to the national team's newcomers"

02.09.2020 21:15

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

On the eve of tomorrow's match with Switzerland in the UEFA League of Nations 2020/2021, the head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko gave a pre-match press conference.

- A long pause could probably affect the state of the team. Did you manage to restore mutual understanding in a few days, to re-establish the so-called'language between players?

- We do everything to make the players remember all the connections that were before. I want to thank the clubs once again for releasing the players and giving them the opportunity to start this training camp earlier. We worked well, and I am waiting for good football performed by the national team of Ukraine. In general, everything is fine, only Shaparenko has a small muscle injury. We consulted a doctor and released him to the location of the club.

In addition to answering the questions, I want to express great respect to the head coach of the Swiss national team Vladimir Petkovich. He raised the level of the team, it demonstrates good football. I would also like to note that the President of Switzerland recently visited Ukraine. Our ties are becoming stronger, which can not help but rejoice. I have a lot of respect for Switzerland as a country.

- Tomorrow's game will take place without fans. How will this affect the mood of the team?

- I want to once again express my gratitude to Lviv for a wonderful reception. We always feel support here, this is a special city, the national team always plays well in it. Everyone understands the situation in the world. The game should take place without spectators, we accept it. We hope that the fans will return soon. Everyone just has to wait.

- Do you consider the match with Switzerland key in the fight for third place in the group?

- We are counting on victory and will go out with such a mood for tomorrow's match, and for everyone else.

- Italian specialist Andrea Azzalin was invited to the coaching staff of the national team. What are its functions?

- Andrea has been working with us since last year. He is an excellent specialist, he is responsible for physical training, he has worked in many famous clubs.

- What are your memories of the match with Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup?

- Memories are wonderful. It was a very difficult match, both teams realized that the price of error was very high, so they played carefully. But we still achieved a victorious result.

- Have you already decided on the lineup for tomorrow's match?

- I can only say that there are several newcomers in the team. We will give one of them a chance to play tomorrow.

- What are your plans for further personal punishment'era?

- Recently I signed a new contract for two and a half years, so all my plans are related exclusively to the national team of Ukraine. This is a performance in the League of Nations, preparation for Euro 2020 and qualification for the World Cup.