Oleksandr Nazarenko: "The Spaniards play well in structure, are strong as a team, tactically prepared"

Halftime defender of Ukraine's youth team Oleksandr Nazarenko appeared together with head coach Ruslan Rotan at a press conference the day before the Euro-2023 (U-21) semifinal match against Spain, which will take place on July 5 in Bucharest, Romania (kickoff at 10:00 PM Kyiv time). — You played an excellent preliminary match against Spain.

Oleksandr Nazarenko: "The Spaniards play well in structure, are strong as a team, tactically prepared"

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Ukraine's under-21 defensive midfielder Oleksandr Nazarenko appeared alongside head coach Ruslan Rotan at press conference ahead of the Euro 2023 (U-21) semi-final match against Spain, which will take place on July 5 in Bucharest, Romania (kick-off at 10:00 PM Kyiv time).

You played a very good preparatory match against Spain. What are the strengths of this team? Who did you face personally?

— Yes, I had a good game. The strongest aspect of the Spanish team is the team itself. Spaniards play well in structure, they are strong as a collective and tactically prepared. Therefore, tomorrow's match will be difficult for us.

How do you manage to play so well at a time when your country is going through such a difficult situation? Perhaps this circumstance itself serves as motivation?

— Our motivation is at the highest level because we are not only playing for ourselves and our loved ones but also for our entire country, for our defenders who are defending Ukraine on the battlefield. Therefore, we have an even greater desire to make them happy, to bring a smile to their faces in such a difficult time.