Alexander Zubkov: "The main goal today was to gain fitness, run a little"

18.05.2022 22:38

Photo of UAF press service

Midfielder of the national team of Ukraine Oleksandr Zubkov commented on the draw with the Croatian "Rijeka" in the control match.

The Blue and Yellows continue to prepare for the playoff matches of the 2022 World Cup and the League of Nations-2022/2023. In the next control match, the national team of Ukraine drew with the Croatian "Rijeka" (1:1). After the game, midfielder Oleksandr Zubkov commented on the result:

- We have to get in shape, ahead — serious fights. The main goal today was to gain fitness, to run a little. In my opinion, we succeeded.

- How will you spend the weekend?

- I am staying in Ljubljana, I will recover, maybe I will do the load in the gym.

- Was it a pity when your goal was not scored due to offside?

- Of course. But I think we could have scored more.

- The national team of Ukraine played in this lineup for the first time…

- Maybe there were some misunderstandings. I can say for myself that I joined the national team on May 16, and on the 17th we went to the game, so it was a bit difficult. But we must not look for excuses. I think it was a good sparring.

- How do you assess your season at Ferencvaros?

- I didn't have a super season, I missed the last few weeks due to illness, then I had tooth problems, so I played only in the last match. Today was a little difficult, but, I repeat, the main goal was to run.

- How much competition is felt in the national team of Ukraine in your position? In particular, Mudryk received a good press after the match with Borussia Monchengladbach ...

- I watched this match, Mudryk performed very well. There can be no competition in the national team. Every player wants to prove himself. This is normal. We will try as hard as we can.