Andriy Shevchenko: Players will feel some pressure. But this is a pleasant pressure, because the final part of the Euro is one of the most important moments

09.06.2021 13:15

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

A press conference of the head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko took place in Bucharest at the Ukrainian Media Center.

- It is very nice that we were warmly welcomed in Bucharest, - said Andriy Shevchenko. - Many thanks to the organizers for the reception. Mircea Lucescu has also visited the national team. The guys are well placed. We are very pleased with the conditions.

- Why did you decide to arrive in Bucharest so early? Did you communicate with former Dynamo Kyiv player Florin Cernat?

- We are glad to be here. The organization and hotel are excellent. We are in contact with Cernat, he helps my team. 

- How important is Mircea Lucescu's work for Dynamo for you? There are 10 players from this team in the national team of Ukraine.

- Mircea did an excellent job, won the championship, the team showed a great game. Dynamo and Shakhtar traditionally represent the most players in the Ukrainian national team. Lucescu worked in both clubs, he is one of the most successful coaches in Ukraine. Undoubtedly, it helps Ukrainian footballers to progress.

- What did you talk about with Lucescu?

- First of all, he came to us to congratulate. Mircea works in Ukraine. He understands that he does not need to be involved in our work. Of course, he will help us if we need anything. But my team and I are doing different work here on the eve of the tournament.

- Do you feel that the excitement is growing every day? Is the team ready to fully enjoy the Euro?

- The players will feel some pressure. But this is a pleasant pressure, because the final part of the Euro is one of the most important moments. Guys need to enjoy this feeling and cope with it. We do not inflate the situation, we work according to the developed plan. We have a few days to better prepare, we will make the most of them. We are preparing for the first game, which will be very important.

- Before the start of the Euro, the national team of Ukraine won two friendly games. Are you satisfied with the final stage of preparation?

- I am pleased with how the team went this 21 day. The guys were under load, and when we got out from under them, we saw the freshness of the team, especially in the last match. I am happy with the game with Cyprus.

- Do you follow the problems in the national team of the Netherlands? How do you plan to use the weaknesses of the opponent? How will you restrain Memphis Depay?

- As for personnel problems, the Dutch have enough great goalkeepers. I don't think this is their weak position. In general, I believe that they do not have weak positions. This team has not only Depay, but also a number of players, whom we take very seriously. But our focus is always on the team game. We will not play individually with any player. We have a clear game plan that we always follow.

- Do you plan to apply additional anti-epidemic measures?

- We have a protocol that we follow. Now, in general, increased attention to this. Judging by the latest news, some teams have problems. We try to follow all security measures and protocol. This is a priority. There is a list of people who can visit the team. Except for them, no one else will come.