Andriy Shevchenko: If we keep the balance, defend and attack properly tomorrow, I think we will have a chance

12.06.2021 20:22

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference in Amsterdam on the eve of the first match of the blue-and-yellows at Euro 2020 - against the team of the Netherlands.

— It happens that the teams fall apart after a conceded goal from a strong opponent. How are you going to confront the Netherlands?

- Every coach has his own ideas about it. We do not plan to lose.

— Tomorrow you have to play the role of guests, because there will be many more Dutch fans in Amsterdam than Ukrainian ones. How will this affect the team?

- This is a common situation, if we do not take into account the last year, when the audience was not in the stands at all. We understand that we will play in the Netherlands in a good atmosphere. We understand all the difficulties that will await us, but we are ready for them. We respect the opponent. They have a lot of talented players, they are a team that always plays stably.

— Who will be the first number of the national team and will take a place in the goal?

- I will not talk about the squad. I decided on it 99 percent, but the starting line-up you will find out tomorrow before the game.

— In what condition is Victor Tsygankov now? Is Taras Stepanenko ready for the game?

- Tsyhankov feels better, he will work in the general group today. We will follow his work. He adds all the time. It is very important that Viktor will train. Stepanenko went through all the training camps, played in friendly matches. He trains, like all players who are preparing to go to the match.

— When you hear about the Netherlands, which player or coach comes to mind first?

- First of all, it's Johan Cruyff. Dutch football was built on his ideas, played by his pupils. This is a great era of great play. For me, he is a football standard.

— Why did you call so many performers to the national team during the preparations for Euro 2020?

- In connection with the situation with the coronavirus, I had to be one hundred percent sure that we will not lose our players. The expanded selection is more about protecting ourselves from unforeseen situations. We also looked at the youth for the future. That 21st day of training helped us to see the young players.

— What is the atmosphere in the team before the match? Will Frank de Boer's forecast be an additional motivation for you?

- The atmosphere is very good, it is generally great in the national team. The guys are preparing, set up. We do not need additional incentives. Footballers understand the importance of these games. Our team earned a ticket to the Euros, taking first place in the group. This is a dream for us, a dream we want to realize while playing in the championship.

— Ukrainian footballers said they were going to beat the Netherlands. How will you do it?

- We have a clear plan. Modern football requires a certain balance in both defense and attack. If we follow it tomorrow, defend and attack properly, I think we will have a chance. In football, they are always there. We will have a chance to achieve the positive result we deserve.