At a press conference after the victory over Slovakia, the Ukrainian national team coach Andriy Shevchenko answered journalists' questions.
- Due to what we managed to finish the opponent?.
- First of all, I want to thank the guys who took this match very seriously. Slovakia is a good team. A great role was played by patience, which we showed. If they opened up, they began to lose their positions, serious problems could arise, but the guys played very organized. The task was to play narrowly, pushing the opponent to the flanks and waiting for his chance. The chance came when Tsygankov came on the flank and earned a penalty. I will not comment on his appointment. The arbitrator appointed him - it was his decision, which gave us a chance and which we used. I think that we played well, competently moved, we used the interaction established in training.
- Why did they replace the Linnet? He seemed more fresh than Yarmolenko ... - We saw where you can strengthen the game, and this replacement brought the result. Zhenya played well and he was really fresh. However, the decision in the course of the game is taken by the coach. The main thing today was the result of the team - we achieved it. Thanks to all the guys for their dedication.
- If Ukraine secures first place in the home match against the Czech Republic, in the last match against Slovakia give a chance to prove oneself to those who do not play so much in the national team?.
- I would like, of course, but do not go so far ahead ... We started well, but this is important not only from the tournament point of view. It is important for us to keep the game structure. Not always enough time in the team, every training has to be used as an impulse. It is necessary to go from game to game. It's hard to go so far ahead. In our group, nothing has been decided yet, ahead of the heavy matches. We have strong rivals and even group.
- You were calmer today in the technical area than three days ago. Result in the Czech Republic reassured or the course of the game against Slovakia without fans?.
- I guess I learned to hide emotions. And today I was worried, realizing the importance of the match. Of course, without fans it's harder to play, there are always more emotions with them, the stadium and fans help, especially here in Lviv. I want to say thank you to the fan zone - we heard her support behind the stadium.
- The team led by you gave one of the most successful starts in tournaments. Do you feel that the team is growing and will be even better?.
- Victory strengthens faith. I do not doubt the correctness of the direction, which is chosen by the national team. But it's too early to talk about growth. The main thing is that the team gradually understands the structure of the game. We are moving in the right direction, but it's too early to talk about the results.
They need to achieve and solve the tasks that we face.
In two matches of the League of Nations, Ukraine won two victories over the Czech Republic and Slovakia and unreservedly leads its group. The next match the Ukrainian team will hold on October 16 in Kharkov against the Czech Republic. The beginning at 9:45 pm.
Do you want to learn the main football news first? Subscribe to our channel in Telegram! You can also follow our site on Facebook and Twitter.