Will the wards of Serhiy Rebrov be able to compete with one of the strongest national teams in Europe? Sport.ua exclusively told Sergey Popovwho has played 54 matches in the T-shirt of the national team of our country.
– Serhii Oleksandrovych, what are your expectations from the match with France?
– I want to see quality football from both teams. So that there was tension, a fight until the last second of the match.
– Is it possible for him to be at his best, when the team is under pressure from the result?
– That is why great masters play to show their best qualities. I hope so, but we’ll see how it turns out (smiles).
– However, “blue-yellow” will probably have to defend a lot. How to do it qualitatively against such fast and technical performers as, for example, Bradley Barkola, Kylian Mbappe?
– It must be admitted that it is very difficult, but possible. It is not for nothing that Serhii Rebrov has so many defenders at his disposal (nine. – Note by S.D.). Maybe the mentor has a plan.
– The national team of Ukraine lost Oleksandr Zinchenko and Artem Dovbyk due to injuries. How much will this reduce the potential of our team?
– It happened that Zinchenko and Dovbyk were in reserve, so in terms of the game, I wouldn’t say that it was a disaster. But in the locker room, these experienced performers could help the team.
– Does this also apply to Yarmolenko, who was not summoned at all?
– Definitely. Andriy is probably the most authoritative Ukrainian football player now.
– Serhii Rebrov said that he is not thinking about the match with Iceland, which could be decisive for the Ukrainian national team. Is the coach cheating?
– Maybe. He has it in his head, but we have to play France first, as it remains to be seen what personnel potential we will have before November 16. This applies to both injuries and disqualifications. Therefore, there is no point in planning something in advance.
– It is desirable for us not to lose. Will it be a sensation?
– Yes. A draw with France will be a bonus for the Ukrainian national team. You need to really assess your strength, because we are in slightly different weight categories. Therefore, the strategy should be developed without these bonuses (smiles). But even defeat can help our team. Such as it was, for example, in 2023 in the match with Italy (1:2). “Blue-yellow” played a great match then. And then this confidence in their abilities helped Serhiy Rebrov’s team to publish an unbeaten streak and reach the final part of the European Championship.
– Is a sensation possible in Baku?
– Why not? On paper, Iceland is stronger than Azerbaijan, but football is interesting in its unpredictability. Why should the Azerbaijanis not prove themselves in this match. I am sure that the hosts will make every effort to recover from the humiliating defeat in Reykjavík (0:5), and at the same time help Ukraine (smiles).
– Our match with France will start about an hour after the match between Azerbaijan and Iceland. Are any corrections possible from Serhiy Rebrov to his wards?
– I do not rule it out. Any information about the opponent is useful. This can be of some help to the “blue and yellow” before going to the Parc des Princes.
– Then what will be your forecast for the match between France and Ukraine?
– I don’t like to make predictions. But let’s hope for no one’s sensation.
Source: sport.ua