Serhiy Rebrov: "The Nations League offers a chance to qualify for the World Cup. We take this tournament seriously"

04.09.2024 13:00

Ukraine's national team head coach, Serhiy Rebrov, gave an interview ahead of the team's opening matches in the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League.

On the Nations League:

— Right now, every game for the Ukraine national team is very serious. I’ve told this to the players. It doesn’t matter the tournament's status or if it’s a friendly match. We qualified for the European Championship thanks to the Nations League, and the players understand this. Although these matches might seem similar to friendlies, they offer a chance to qualify for the World Cup. We are taking this tournament very seriously.

On the opponents in the group:

— All the teams in our group participated in EURO 2024. We have plenty of information about these teams. Only Georgia reached the European Championship via the playoffs, while Czechia and Albania qualified directly. So, we take these teams very seriously. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against. We showed this in the previous qualifying cycle. We must focus on ourselves and prepare with full commitment.

On the players' form:

— Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much match practice in the Ukrainian league recently. Dynamo Kyiv has played a lot of matches, and I believe they’re in good shape despite some fatigue. I’m pleased the UPL has started, and the players are getting game time. Some have minor injuries, but I’m satisfied with those selected for the national team. The first training sessions show that the players are focused and serious.

Photo by Dan Balashov

On Dynamo Kyiv's European matches:

— Any successful matches in Europe give the players confidence before joining the national team. Dynamo confidently passed the first two rounds, and I’m happy they didn’t just start their European campaign but did so confidently. Unfortunately, they didn’t get past Salzburg. I watched both matches and in my opinion, they didn’t advance because they failed to capitalize on their chances. Creating chances is crucial, and right now Dynamo is doing that, with a good balance between attack and defense.

On the frustration after EURO 2024:

— It’s essential to channel that frustration and dissatisfaction with the EURO 2024 results, not only in training but also in matches. In the Nations League, we need to prove on the pitch that we’re aiming to achieve what we missed at the Euros.

On Artem Dovbyk's move to Roma:

— I’m sure this is the player’s desire. He wants to develop and experience something new, and that’s entirely his decision. We accept that. When a player changes clubs, it brings new emotions and motivation. I hope Artem will do well at Roma and prove with his performances that he deserves a place in the Ukraine national team.

On the Albanian national team:

— I think Albania was unlucky with the EURO 2024 draw — they faced very strong opponents. They defended very well in all their matches. However, in the qualifying cycle, they played confidently, and they had a very intense team. Most of their players compete in Europe, with nearly their entire starting lineup playing in Italy. We take them very seriously. I believe Albania hasn’t yet fully unlocked its great potential.

Photo by Dan Balashov

On the short gap between matches:

— We’re used to this by now. We’ve been playing in such a schedule all year. That’s why we’re calling up a slightly larger squad. We know how to prepare, but no one knows the players' current condition. For example, Dynamo players have played many matches and are genuinely tired right now. We’re trying to give them a bit of rest and find the right balance. There have been a lot of travels and matches, so there’s fatigue even at the start of the season. We’ll see how the players feel after the first game against Albania.

On the team’s base in Czechia:

— We discussed where we would play, and I believe playing two matches in Czechia is the best option. As I’ve said, Shakhtar and Dynamo players have a lot of travel due to their European competitions. We’ll be staying in one hotel for almost a week, allowing the players to train and rest properly.

On the tragedy in Poltava:

— Unfortunately, we live in a time of ongoing war, as the aggressor tries to destroy our country. I extend my support to all those affected. I’m confident that all the players will play with the emotion to show that Ukraine is alive and that we will continue to fight.

In September, Ukraine will play two matches in Group B1 of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League in Prague. On September 7, the Blue and Yellows will host Albania at Epet Arena in the first round, and on the 10th, they will face Czechia at Eden Arena in an away match.