— Your wards say they have gotten used to your way of watching football. Have you adapted to the national team?

— It's very important that the players adapt. We shouldn't be in our comfort zone. We should respect each other and work together. But five or six days are not enough. We try to do everything quickly, but it doesn't always work out.

— Can we expect a deeper rotation of the lineup tomorrow?

— Yes, we can.

— On which positions can we expect changes in the lineup? Will players called up for the youth team not play tomorrow?

— Tomorrow will play those who are currently ready to play. I don't divide my wards into players from the youth or national teams. Perhaps, you'll see a different lineup tomorrow. But we have to make rotations because this is our third match. It definitely will be.

— What can we expect from the Malta team considering Ukraine's loss in the previous match against them?

— I'm sure it will be a tough game. The Maltese also played two days ago. They have enough qualified players. They will prepare very seriously. We first of all need to think about our play, which is what I told my footballers. Yes, we should respect the opponent, but rely on our own play as well. That's why I expect a different game than in the first half against Skopje.

— Does it feel today that Mudryk is becoming the leader of the Ukrainian national team?

— In general, I don't like to single anyone out because in the previous match there was no team play in the first half and there was in the second. Thanks to teamwork we managed to win. I think now it's not necessary to look for a leader but work hard since tomorrow is very important for the result. I expect that on the field will be the team that played against Macedonia in the second half.

— How were you received in Slovakia? Have you already discussed which European cities home autumn matches of the Ukrainian national team will take place?

— Yes, we've talked about it. But these are just talks, there's still time. As for the first meetings, almost everything is settled, as for the next ones — we're discussing. How were we received in Slovakia? I don't think the guys went around much because we only had two days and needed to recover. Tomorrow we play at six local time. It's very hot. We'll need all our strength tomorrow.

— In what psychological state did Mykhailo Mudryk arrive in the national team, considering his not-so-successful start with Chelsea? What actions did you take to help the player?

— I talk to all footballers. I think he's helping Chelsea, and deciding how much playing time to give him — that's the prerogative of the head coach. But I see that he is very focused, takes his training and games seriously. Everyone makes mistakes. If you look at the match against Macedonia, everyone made mistakes. We need to help footballers, especially those from U-21 who don't have experience on this level.

I don't like singling anyone out among the players. Of course, more attention is paid to a player of Chelsea than others. But tomorrow we should be together and not single out someone playing for a big club. I think Dynamo and Shakhtar — are also big clubs.

— Events like the explosion at Kakhovska HES shook not only Ukraine but the whole world. Matches of the national team are fresh air for people who have suffered. What words of support can you give them?

— All players in the national team should bring emotions to these people through their work on the field. Our people don't have enough emotions now. We constantly watch news, donate to the Armed Forces, help out. It's very important for the players to give emotions to our people. Tomorrow's game should be a kind of trigger showing that Ukraine is here, fighting, playing football. We understand that we will soon win and return to normal life. We all support the Armed Forces, but now footballers need to help civilians and military with their dedication and spirit on the field.