Illia Zabarnyi: "We recognize the challenge ahead and that only victory will suffice"

13.10.2024 19:10

Ukraine national team defender Illia Zabarnyi, along with head coach Serhiy Rebrov, participated in a press conference ahead of the Nations League 2024/2025 match against Czechia.

— Many have complained about the condition of the pitch in Poznań. How was it for you to play on it? What are your physical conditions after the previous game? And what do you expect from tomorrow's match, especially with many fans attending, given that Wrocław has become a lucky city for you?

— The pitch was indeed in terrible condition. It was not up to the level of international teams. As for Wrocław, I can say it’s a lucky stadium for us. But we recognize the challenge ahead and that only victory will suffice. I want to thank the fans who came to the previous game. I invite everyone who can to come and support us tomorrow, as it is important for us and the entire country.

— You probably know well the Czech players who play in the Premier League, Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal. How would you evaluate these players?

— There are no weak players in the Premier League. I understand firsthand how difficult it is to play there. So having players of that caliber is a great advantage for the national team. They are excellent players who can make a difference on the field.

As a reminder, in October, the Ukraine national team will play another match in Group B1 of the Nations League 2024/2025 — on the 14th, the Blue and Yellows will face Czechia in a nominal home match at the Tarczyński Arena in Wrocław.