Andriy Shevchenko: "It is a pity that we did not manage to bring our best team to France"

The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference on the eve of the friendly match with the French team.

- How can you assess the situation in which the national team of Ukraine found itself due to known problems with positive tests for coronavirus?

- Yes, we are in a very difficult situation now. Even before the training camp, a number of leading players were injured. At the last moment, we learned about the positive tests for COVID-19 of two Shakhtar players, and all the players of this team were quarantined. By the way, as we learned today, the rest of the miners have negative tests. We had to call up players, including some from the youth team. We invited Pankiv due to Pyatov's absence, but already in France two goalkeepers also passed positive tests - the same Pankiv and Lunin.

The situation is very complicated. There are regulations, and we follow them. We fully trust the position of the French authorities, we adhere to the protocols. As far as I know, tomorrow the game will still take place. 

It is a pity that we did not manage to bring our best team to France. I really respect the coach of the local team Didier Deschamps, I really wanted to bring the strongest players. But we will try to gather all the best among those who are available.

- Does this situation give other players a chance to express themselves?

- Of course, this is a chance for young players to prove themselves, but at the same time there is a risk for us. I repeat, I wanted to bring the best team to show the level of our football.

- What are the goals of your team now?

- We are fulfilling the tasks set before us. The main task when I hosted the national team was to change the quality of the game, to bring a new generation of players to the team who will be able to play another football. We had a very positive three years. We performed well in the previous League of Nations, overcame the selection for Euro 2020 from first place in the group. I think they showed a decent level of play. We also gave a chance to young players, many of them are now in our main lineup.

For me, the main indicator is the opinion of the fans, who thank us for the game and the result. But this level must be maintained and have a certain staff. Unfortunately, right now we do not have such a stock.

- Who do you consider the main star of the French national team?

- Every player of this team can be called dangerous. This is an extremely balanced team that has great players in all positions. I consider coach Didier Deschamps to be her main star, and I respect him very much for the work he has done in recent years.

- Can we expect the national team to strengthen after returning to Kyiv?

- Based on the current situation, we are preparing a list of players who can strengthen us. They will be tested. We need to understand the situation with those who have already taken the tests, and then decide whether they will be able to join.

Plans do not change - we fly to Kiev the next day after the game. 

- Taras Stepanenko is currently absent from the national team. Who can replace him?

- We have enough players, we have the opportunity to play for someone who has not had such a chance before. We have not yet decided who will take this position. We expect that the one who will play will show the same level as Taras.

TOPIC NEWS
16.03.2024 09:00

Andriy Shevchenko spoke with the Ukrainian U-17 national team, which qualified for Euro-2024

On March 15, UAF President Andriy Shevchenko talked with the players and...

05.03.2024 13:21

UAF President Andriy Shevchenko attended the training of the Ukrainian national team, made up of players with limb amputations

President of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Shevchenko attended a class...

25.02.2024 16:43

Andriy Shevchenko: "It is important that the boys come to the national team motivated, and we will do everything necessary for their training"

Today, February 25, before the match of the 18th round of the Vbet League "Metalist...

24.02.2024 13:00

Address of UAF President Andrii Shevchenko

President of the Ukrainian Football Association Andriy Shevchenko on the day of the second...

Subscribe to news