EURO 2024: Ruslan Malinovskyi and Volodymyr Brazhko answer journalists' questions ahead of Slovakia match

19.06.2024 14:48

Ukraine national team midfielders Ruslan Malinovskyi and Volodymyr Brazhko responded to journalists' questions at a press conference dedicated to their performance at the European Championship.

— What was the main reason for the loss against Romania? Have you analyzed the game?

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— We just came from a theoretical session. Many factors and moments determine the outcome of the match. I think we need to improve off-field aspects like desire, fighting spirit, and teamwork. We analyzed everything and hope to draw the right conclusions for the upcoming matches and show a different style of play. Important things were said during the theory session, and now it's crucial to transfer that to training and then to the games.

— After the match against Romania, the Ukrainian players had a talk. Did you feel any impact from that conversation, which was likely quite intense?

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— It was intense. But what we discussed in the locker room stays there. Everyone needs to reflect on what was said and draw the right conclusions. We have experienced players who can help the younger ones, like Andriy Yarmolenko, who is playing in his fourth Euro. We heard a lot of encouraging words.

— Volodymyr, after the match against Romania, you said the opponent didn't show anything special. Do you still think so after analyzing the game?

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— I said that in the heat of the moment and misspoke. I meant that the opponent didn't show anything we didn't expect, but we lacked concentration. The game was decided by half-chances. I congratulate Romania, but we need to focus on ourselves.

— Is it easier for the team to prepare when they are praised or criticized? Can criticism help you play better?

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— I believe it should help. Words are words, but everything is visible on the pitch. I remember my former coach, Serhiy Kovalyov, saying that if one player is off, it's tough for the team; if two are off, it's a disaster. So I can't say anyone from Romania was off in their planned game. We need to be a team now and accept the criticism, as football is emotional and the whole country is watching us. We need to draw the right conclusions, and all 26 players must be ready to be part of the team.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

— The next match is against Slovakia. Can you highlight any players from the upcoming opponent?

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— There's no need to highlight anyone; they are strong as a team. I watched their game against Belgium—they know what to do on the pitch both as a team and individually. We shouldn't fear the opponent but focus on ourselves. We need to win because we still have chances, but there's no room for mistakes.

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— I can say I know half of their team as we play in the same league. Milan Škriniar played for Inter for many years. Their midfielders play in Serie A. Juraj Kucka spent a lot of time in Italy, Ondrej Duda plays for Verona, and Stanislav Lobotka for Napoli. These are high-level players, and we can't give them time to think or not pressure them. They are mobile, a very well-balanced team. We saw how they fought for the result against Belgium. They will be a highly motivated opponent in good spirits. Both teams will be determined to win. As I said, we need to focus on key moments.

— Ruslan, you are one of the most experienced players in the national team. How is it to play under such pressure, thinking not only about football but also about the situation in Ukraine?

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— We understand the responsibility each of us has. We wanted to win and continue to fight for our country. Sometimes you give everything on the pitch but don't achieve the result. We want to do everything possible so that after the next two games, our fans will be proud of us and see a team that gave its all for Ukraine.

— Volodymyr, you are from Zaporizhzhia. How difficult is it for you, given your city is constantly under enemy attacks?

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— I don't want to single myself out, as it's difficult for everyone right now. Many players in the national team are from front-line cities. I am always in touch with my parents and friends. They are holding on, and I worry about them a lot. We want to make all Ukrainians happy with our game for the national team. Unfortunately, it didn't work out with Romania. We want to prepare well for the next matches to correct this and give strength to our soldiers and all Ukrainians. We will do everything we can.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

— Volodymyr, you and Ruslan came to the press conference. Does this hint at a starting spot against Slovakia, or are you just the bravest?

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— We'll see. I can't say anything yet. There are still two days until the game.

— After the match with Romania, many players posted apologies on social media. Was this a collective decision, or do you react to social media after such tough matches?

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— After the game, I tried not to take my phone because I knew what would be there. We deserved this criticism, and there's no excuse for us. We need to accept this negativity, let it pass through us, and understand how to play better and where we stand.

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— This is all individual. From my point of view, after such matches, these apologies are unnecessary. It's good we have the next game soon and don't have to wait a whole week. So we can show ourselves from a different side.

— What are your impressions of the stadium atmosphere and fan support?

Ruslan Malinovskyi:
— The atmosphere was football-like and wonderful. This is the charm of the Euro, with all the stadiums full, and playing in such conditions is pure joy. These are unforgettable emotions, and we need to value such moments.

Volodymyr Brazhko:
— The atmosphere impressed me a lot, as it was my first such match in a full stadium. I wanted to play in the European Championship, and I worked towards it, but we need to improve our game.

Ukraine squad for EURO 2024

Goalkeepers: 1. Georgiy Bushchan (Dynamo Kyiv), 12. Anatoliy Trubin (Benfica, Portugal), 23. Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid, Spain).

Defenders: 22. Mykola Matviyenko, 2. Yukhym Konoplia, 21. Valeriy Bondar (all Shakhtar Donetsk), 24. Oleksandr Tymchyk (Dynamo Kyiv), 16. Vitaliy Mykolenko (Everton, England), 13. Illia Zabarnyi (Bournemouth, England), 3. Oleksandr Svatok (FC Dnipro-1 Dnipro), 4. Maksym Talovierov (LASK Linz, Austria), 26. Bohdan Mykhaylichenko (Polissya Zhytomyr).

Midfielders: 7. Andriy Yarmolenko, 19. Mykola Shaparenko, 18. Volodymyr Brazhko (all Dynamo Kyiv), 6. Taras Stepanenko, 20. Oleksandr Zubkov, 14. Georgiy Sudakov (all Shakhtar Donetsk), 17. Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal, England), 15. Viktor Tsygankov (Girona, Spain), 10. Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea, England), 5. Serhiy Sydorchuk (Westerlo, Belgium), 8. Ruslan Malinovskyi (Genoa, Italy).

Forwards: 11. Artem Dovbyk (Girona, Spain), 9. Roman Yaremchuk (Valencia, Spain), 25. Vladyslav Vanat (Dynamo Kyiv).

EURO 2024 Group E: Schedule and Results

June 17: Romania vs Ukraine - 3:0

June 17: Belgium vs Slovakia - 0:1

Standings

June 21: Slovakia vs Ukraine. Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf. Kick-off: 16:00 Kyiv time.

June 22: Belgium vs Romania. Cologne Stadium, Cologne. Kick-off: 22:00 Kyiv time.

June 26: Slovakia vs Romania. Frankfurt Stadium, Frankfurt. Kick-off: 19:00 Kyiv time.

June 26: Ukraine vs Belgium. Stuttgart Arena, Stuttgart. Kick-off: 19:00 Kyiv time.

Kick-off times are in Kyiv time.