Serhiy Rebrov: "Every player stepping onto the pitch fully understands the importance of this clash with Georgia"

15.11.2024 16:56

Ahead of the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 match against Georgia, Ukraine’s head coach Serhiy Rebrov held a pre-match press conference. 

- What needs to change in the team compared to the last game against Georgia?

- These are different games. We prepare for each match individually, as does Georgia. This time we are playing away, and Georgia will have strong fan support. I’m sure they will be more aggressive, but we have our game plan, and we need to stick to it.

- What is the current situation in the squad? Is Artem Dovbyk ready to play?

- Yesterday, Artem had his first training session. We’ll see if he can play. Unfortunately, several players have minor injuries, especially those from Dynamo and Shakhtar, who are tired after travel. Vladyslav Vanat won’t play tomorrow as he’s still recovering. I hope he’ll return for the next match. Every player stepping onto the pitch fully understands the importance of this clash with Georgia, and I’m confident they’ll give their all for Ukraine.

- What are Georgia’s strengths and weaknesses?

- We don’t know their current condition, but we played them a month ago and have additional information from their recent games, where they changed their tactical setup. We must be ready for anything.

- Do you consider the group standings ahead of the final two matches?

- We were told this during the match against Slovakia at EURO 2024, but at this level, all teams are highly skilled and aim to win. Tomorrow, we’ll focus on victory as it’s a crucial match. I’m sure it will be an exciting game.

- How will you try to stop Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

- The same way we tried in the first game. I don’t know where he will play, but I have great respect for him. Georgia has high-level attacking players, and it’s always interesting to face such opponents. But we have our strategy.

In November, Ukraine will play two away matches in Group B1 of the Nations League. On November 16, they face Georgia at AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, and on November 19, they play Albania at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana.