Roman Yaremchuk: "We will focus on what we need – a victory"

18.11.2024 19:27

Ukraine national team striker Roman Yaremchuk, alongside head coach Serhiy Rebrov, took part in a press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 match against Albania.

— How do you assess the Albania team? We will likely be playing against them as the dominant side. How do we break through their defense, something that wasn’t working well in the first match?

— We are playing away, and such matches are always different from home games. Albania is a very strong team. They have a good striker, solid defense, and discipline in their defensive line. We also have plenty of qualified players who can decide the outcome of the game. We will focus on the fact that we need a victory. We hope there will be scoring opportunities to capitalize on. This will help us psychologically, reduce some stress for each player, and allow them to play with more confidence and show their best game.

— How well have you recovered after the match in Batumi on the tough pitch?

— The pitch was the same for both teams. I don’t see any problems with it. The field withstood the bad weather. We are all professional footballers, and we need to recover as quickly as possible after matches.

— In recent games, the Ukraine national team has struggled in attack, especially with no goals scored in the Nations League. You have talented attacking players, but no goals. How do you explain this situation?

— Sometimes, there are games where we don’t score and don’t create chances. But that doesn’t mean something is wrong with our attack. Especially now, when every opposing player knows we have a good team. When Albania spends almost the entire match near their penalty box, it’s hard to find opportunities to score. But I am confident that our team has the potential to score goals and get results. Of course, we want to play our best football, but this is just how it goes sometimes.

— Do you feel pressure, as Ukraine risks relegation from Division B? Also, the atmosphere in Albania is always great. How do you mentally prepare for the game?

— Of course, we feel pressure, but it’s part of football. Every game is intense, especially when you play for big clubs, fighting for three points every time. Our players play in top leagues, competing every weekend in Europe’s best stadiums. I don’t think this will be a problem for us. Of course, the atmosphere in the stands tomorrow may have an effect, but I hope we stay focused on the game.

It should be noted that the final match in Group B1 of the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League will take place away on November 19, on matchday 6, in Tirana at the Air Albania Stadium against Albania.