The coach of the “blue-yellows” answered questions from journalists on the eve of the first match with the Belgians.
Head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov gave a press conference before the first match of the playoff for the right to play in the elite division of the next Nations League against the Belgian team.
The coach of the “blue-yellows” answers journalists' questions are provided by Sport.ua.
On the personnel situation: “Firstly, I would like to thank our soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who protect us. Gratitude from me and the team. Secondly, Dovbyk has problems. Artem has a high temperature, an infection. The doctors will do everything possible, but we will see if he plays tomorrow. Maksim Taloverov, you know, has already left the national team due to an injury. The rest are all fine.”
On the Belgian national team: “The opponent is a balanced team, they always have a large selection of players. It is difficult to prepare because you do not know exactly who will play in what position. I do not think that Belgium's game will change much with the new coach. What is important here is what the Ukrainian national team will show. We need to show the football that we demand from ourselves.”
On the psychological attack on Rebrov and problems with the UAF : “Any game of the national team is a big event. I don't feel any pressure. I have a working relationship with Shevchenko, with the UAF. This is the first time I've heard of it. There are no problems. I was told that the media is writing something, but there are no problems.”
On the conversation between Trump and Putin: “It's hard for me to talk about this. Ukraine is fighting for its existence. We are grateful to the US for its help, but it's hard for me to comment on this conversation.”
On the match against Belgium at Euro 2024: “We have almost the same line-up, what should change? In that match we created a lot of chances and could have won. They were happy with a draw, they were so aggressive. We watched their matches in the Nations League, they play completely different football.”
On the winger's problems after Mudryk's disqualification: “We support and help Mikhail. He is an important player for us. I wish him a speedy return to football. This is important for both us and him. We are trying out options on the left in midfield. We will see who will come out against Belgium.”
On the friendly matches in Canada in the summer: “There were different options, but I'm glad that we chose to play in Canada. We will be happy to go to Canada, where the 2026 World Cup will be held. This is an important experience. We know that Canada is a friend of Ukraine, there are many Ukrainians there. I think it is important for us to play there.”
On defensive tactics: “We have enough central defenders. We can play with three central defenders, or two. It's important what the players' functions are. We called up enough central defenders. We have a difficult situation with yellow cards, eight players on cards at once. We need to be careful.”
The Ukraine vs. Belgium match will take place on Thursday, March 20, in Murcia, Spain, at the Nueva Condomina stadium. The starting whistle will sound at 21:45 Kyiv time.
Text online broadcast of the match Ukraine – Belgium is available on our website.
The return match between the teams on Sunday, March 23, will be hosted by the Belgian city of Genk. The starting whistle will sound at 21:45 Kyiv time.
The winner of the two-match confrontation between Ukraine and Belgium will receive a place in the most prestigious Division A of the League of Nations. The team that loses will play the next tournament in Division B.
Earlier it became known that in the summer of 2025 the Ukrainian national team will play in a friendly tournament in Canada.