Serhiy Rebrov: "We improved at the start of the second half and scored, but it's essential to play all 90 minutes"

08.09.2024 00:32

Following the Nations League 2024/2025 match against Albania, which ended in a 1:2 defeat, Ukraine’s head coach Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference.

— Why did the Ukraine national team struggle so much in attack during the first half?

— Probably because we were up against a very strong opponent. The Albanians defended very well and were organized, making it hard to find space. We tried to make passes into the penalty area but unfortunately didn't create many chances in the first half. There was a chance for Roman Yaremchuk. In the second half, we had moments, scored a goal, and could have scored more. Unfortunately, in football at this level, if you don't score, the opponent will.

— Why was the game so difficult? Why was it hard to combine and create chances? Is it related to the players’ fitness or match practice? How can we overcome this?

— It’s always tough to play at this level. Albania defended very tightly and gave no space at all. It’s very hard to break down such a defense and requires patience. We tried to do this but lacked sharpness in the penalty area. This was the same issue we had in our game against Romania — we controlled the ball but didn’t create chances or pressure the penalty area. Albania, as at the Euros, defended very organized. However, now the issue is not just our attack but also our defense: how can we concede two goals from three counterattacks? There was no balance in defense. We needed to defend as a team in the second half and not allow such chances.

— What did you try to convey to the players at halftime? Evaluate their actions after your instructions.

— We made some adjustments. In the first 15 minutes of the second half, we dominated, created chances, and scored a goal. But as I said, football is not only about attack but also about defense. Our second conceded goal... I’ve reviewed it and don’t understand how we can defend like that at this level. We improved at the start of the second half and scored a goal, but it's essential to play all 90 minutes.

— The next game is in three days. What needs to be done for the Ukrainian team to play much better? How can these mistakes be avoided?

— We need to work and focus on our roles in the team every minute of the game. We have two days to recover. The players need to understand that this is the first game, and things happen. Czechia lost 1:4 today. But we must think about ourselves and show a different defensive performance. This is important for the future, not just the next match. But time is short, so we need to react quickly.

As a reminder, Ukraine will play another match in Group B1 of the Nations League 2024/2025 in Prague — on the 10th of September, the Blue and Yellows will face Czechia at Eden Arena.