Andriy Shevchenko: A positive result can't be achieved if you go out on the field with a thought of a draw

20.06.2021 16:54

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Today at the Ukrainian Media Center in Bucharest, the head coach of the national team Andriy Shevchenko held a pre-match press conference dedicated to tomorrow's match with the Austrian team.

- Howany serious injury to Denis Popov? There was also information of some problemsя regarding Roman Yaremchuk ...

- Popova worries about the calf muscle. He did not train today, but I do not think there is a serious problem. He just needs to be given time to recover. Most likely, he will not prepare for tomorrow's game. As for Yaremchuk, it is all rumors and unreliable information. Roman is fine, he trained today. Like the other guys, he will prepare for the match.

- Who would you like to see as a rival of the national team of Ukraine in the playoffs in case of leaving the group?

- I believe that in football it is impossible to predict in any case. We have a difficult match with Austria. This team has very good performers, the team plays in its own style. We seriously prepare for it and respect it.

- Aren't the team being disturbed by the fact that Ukraine and Austria will be satisfied with a draw? The desire to prove that these conversations are unfounded, can be an additional motivation?

- In general, such things are very severely punished. Any such conversations should be stopped because it is illegal. Both we and the Austrians understand the importance of the match. The game will be held with sufficient responsibility and understanding of what is at stake, what result you need to achieve to reach the playoffs. We understand all the responsibility.

Theoretically, a draw suits the team. But we understand the complexity of these games. The result can't be achieved if you go out on the field with a thought of a draw. The team gets preparing. We will play to achieve a positive result for us.

- What can you say about the national team of Austria following its two matches at Euro 2020?

- I really respect this team. She has a certain style, good performers. David Alaba is a leader, a high-level player. There are footballers who deserve respect. The team plays very compactly, it is aggressive, powerful. We are waiting for a difficult match.

- The weather in Bucharest is not the best now. How does this affect training?

- The weather is the same for everyone. Despite the rain, the field in the stadium and in the training arena is of good quality. There are no problems with this.

- Did you communicate with Cosmin Contra? Do you have any special connection with Romanian players?

- I have no ties with Romania, except that I know a lot of players and coaches with whom I know through football. We have had good relations with Kontra for a long time. We saw him and talked on the phone. Just like with Mircea Lucescu.