On May 1, the Ukraine national team began preparations for the playoff matches of the 2022 World Cup and Nations League. Today, a press conference took place at the training center of the Football Association of Slovenia, which was attended by head coach of the Ukrainian national team Oleksandr Petrakov.

— How difficult was it to assemble the team in such a challenging time? What is the significance of the game against Scotland under these circumstances?

— Assembling the team wasn't difficult. Special exemptions were made for us to leave the country. "Shakhtar" and "Dynamo" were already in Europe. There weren't any particular difficulties with this. Regarding the significance of the game against Scotland — we want to qualify for the final stage of the World Cup.

— How did you react to the decision to prepare here in Slovenia?

— President of the UAF Andriy Pavelko said there was such a proposal made by UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin. I accepted it immediately. I know Čeferin well, he often visited Ukraine. All I can do is thank him and Slovenia for what they have done for us. Yesterday I was at the office of the Football Association of Slovenia President, it was a nice welcome. Thank you very much to Slovenia. God willing, may we be lucky in Scotland.

— What feelings do you take into the friendly match against Borussia Mönchengladbach?

— We don't have a championship in our country right now. So we need to get the boys ready, so they think this game is official and not friendly. We suspended the league in December and haven't played for half a year. The players will give their all.

— What other friendlies are planned?

— Soon, information about friendlies will be announced. Understand the situation is such that people have championships going on. The Ukraine national team has never been in such circumstances before, so it's very difficult to find a sparring partner.

— Will there be changes in the squad? Are you planning to call up Danylo Ignatenko?

— We need some intrigue. Just wait a little bit. On May 16, Zubkov, Kachaраба, Yaremchuk, and Sykan will join us. They play for their clubs on the 15th, so I asked how many days they need to rest. They replied that they don't need any rest and are heading straight to the national team. This is great.