Today, September 8th, ahead of the match for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku, head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference.

— Today's top news is the dismissal of Fernando Santos from his position as head coach of the Azerbaijani national team. How does this affect your preparation for tomorrow's match?

— Of course, it affects our preparation, and we will make necessary adjustments. We have presented the players with information about the opposing team, showing how Azerbaijan plays in attack and defense. However, what is important is to see what we show tomorrow. I believe that the national team will be ready for any model of play by Azerbaijan.

— Where will we see Oleksandr Zinchenko tomorrow — in midfield or on the wing?

— Wait and see tomorrow's game to find out. Generally, when Oleksandr is on the field, he helps the team from any position. He plays with heart, for Ukraine. Even without playing time at 'Arsenal', when he joins the national team, I don't feel that he hasn't played a match this season. I am confident that now he will get game time at 'Nottingham Forest'.

— In the match against France, we saw three debutants in the national squad, and also witnessed the starting lineup of Ukraine's youth team winning their matches. Does it please you how the system of national teams is working now — especially for U19 coach Una Melgosa?

— Yes, it pleases me. I believe it’s important that players who play in youth teams have a goal to make the senior team. And an understanding that making the national team depends on how they perform in youth teams.

Overall, football for the national team is what you show today. For the squad, it's important that a player demonstrates stability because there’s competition for every position. If there’s stability, then there’s a chance to cement a place in the national team. Players who came on as substitutes against France deserved this opportunity. They gained valuable experience for the future.

— For the first time in many years, Ukrainian clubs are not playing in the Champions League group stage. How has this affected the performance of the national team?

— Unfortunately, now our clubs have to go through qualification because our club ranking has dropped. There is a war going on in our country, making it difficult to maintain the level under these conditions.

It's important for me that Ukrainian clubs are represented in European competitions. It’s important to represent our country at this level. I hope and am confident that next year we will be fighting for a place in the Champions League group stage. 

— What is Georgiy Sudakov's psychological state after yesterday's news that shelling hit his house in Kyiv?

— Unfortunately, we are all in such a situation. When I tell the players, and this is very important, to focus on the game, there’s an understanding that everyone has family in Ukraine who they stay in touch with. Everyone returns to Ukraine, monitors the news. Unfortunately, it happened to Georgiy yesterday. It had happened before to other players when their families were caught up in similar situations. But I believe this will add motivation for the footballers. We understand which country we are playing for and whose fighters we represent here on the international stage. All of this will add motivation to our players, and tomorrow they will be more motivated. 

— Now you will play against a very weak national team, do you think your team will achieve an easy victory tomorrow?

— I think it will be a tough game tomorrow. I hope that the players don't listen to this press conference. Because when teams change coaches, it can be perceived differently. I do not consider Azerbaijan's national team weak. I watched their matches, especially the first half against Iceland — I do not consider Azerbaijan’s national team played very poorly. They acted organized but unfortunately did not create chances.

Tomorrow will be a difficult game. We will do everything to make sure that the players understand this and from the first minute strive for results. 

Recall, the 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Azerbaijan — Ukraine will take place in Baku on September 9th (kick-off at 19:00 Kyiv time).