Anatoliy Trubin: "The Nations League is an extra opportunity to qualify for the World Cup"

03.09.2024 13:36

Ukraine's goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin shared his thoughts on the team's preparation for the upcoming UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 matches against Albania and Czechia.

On September 2, the national team of Ukraine officially began their focused preparation for the September matches of the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025. The team arrived in Prague and held their first training session, which included players who hadn’t had sufficient game time at their clubs over the past weekend and the goalkeepers.

A few insights about the first training session were shared by goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

"My health is good at the moment. There are some minor effects from a recent injury, but it doesn't stop me from training and playing. I'm gradually recovering.

Today's training session wasn't easy. It became very challenging towards the end, as I had to endure powerful shots, so for the goalkeepers, it was a full workout.

After EURO 2024, everyone had a bit of a negative feeling, but time moved on. It's a new tournament, new matches... So we need to forget the bad moments. I came to the national team in a good mood, happy to see the guys. The national team is always a huge positive, so I was looking forward to this camp. When you're in Portugal and not speaking your native language, it can sometimes be very difficult.

The Nations League is another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup, so this tournament can't be considered as just friendly matches. The fact that all our opponents participated in EURO 2024 is great. National team matches are at a slightly different level, and it will be tough against any opponent. This is a great chance to play against such teams and showcase our level," said Anatoliy Trubin.

It’s worth noting that in September, Ukraine’s national team will play two matches in Group B1 of the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 in Prague. On September 7, the Blue and Yellow will face Albania at the Epet Arena in the first round, and on September 10, they will play against Czechia at the Eden Arena.