The head coach of Ukraine's U-21 national team, Ruslan Rotan, appeared at a press conference ahead of the Euro 2023 (U-21) match against Romania on June 24 in Bucharest (kickoff at 7 PM Kyiv time).

— Are there any personnel issues with the team?

— Yes, currently Mudryk and Vanat have problems and are recovering. Their participation in the game is questionable but possible. We will consult with doctors and physiotherapists this evening and make a decision.

— If we recall the match against Croatia, the team was praised after the game. But towards the end, we allowed the opponent to create opportunities. Can it be said that at some point we lost control of the game? Is this a problem? Are there any ways to improve our play?

— The coach always has the opportunity to improve the game. I wouldn't want to go back. Let's say, the game was in our hands, we were leading and looked very good for the first half-hour. When the score changed in our favor, psychology came into play. The opponent's team pushed forward more aggressively, while we seemed to pull back a bit. This is a normal process. We have already discussed certain moments and drawn conclusions. But football involves skill from one side or another. Without mistakes — no way. They need to be corrected and looked at for the future, preparing for the next game, which we are currently doing.

— Do you plan to make any changes in your team's play against Romania?

— We first and foremost want to improve our play, do everything to get better from game to game, give it our all, work hard. There is also the concept of character, which plays a significant role. The weather conditions will be tough for the players at 36 degrees Celsius tomorrow, starting off with 32… We need to prepare for this as well. Tonight we have a training session where we'll assess each player's condition. If there are changes — you'll see them tomorrow.

— Is there any specific physical preparation for playing in such weather conditions?

— We have already adjusted to these weather conditions during the first match. The most important thing is water, replenishing your balance. Indeed, we need to be ready for the heat. The main remedies in this situation are attitude and character. You need to prepare yourself for it being difficult. There are weather conditions, a strong opponent playing at home with supporters cheering them on. So we need to be aware of all these factors.

— In the Romanian press, there was an announcement that players who played for Ukraine against Malta could not play against Croatia because less than 48 hours had passed between matches. Have you spoken with anyone about this situation?

— Indeed, we sent letters to clubs and UEFA, where they responded that such matters should be discussed with the clubs. So we informed the clubs, communicated with our doctors, the boys, analyzed everything, and did what we thought was necessary. I believe the boys deserve this tournament. If they are mentally and morally ready for it and want it — that's the main answer. All of them really wanted to play. Also, Mudryk and Vanat really wanted to play but their health condition didn't allow them to take the field. Yes, we sent relevant documents to the clubs and asked UEFA.

— Are you concerned about the absence of VAR and goal-line technology at this tournament? For example, in Italy's match against France, a goal was not awarded…

— This system is now spreading across all leagues and tournaments. Perhaps it hasn't reached the age group European Championship yet. I take it calmly — as it is. Our demands are to show the game, give one hundred percent, demonstrate professional football, attitude towards fans and opponents, play fair. Such moments might be referee errors. Maybe VAR would have taken them into account. But I think soon such tournaments will have VAR.

— In several selection matches, you played with a situational «diamond» in the center of the field, where Sudaikov was on the left side. Does this formation help create better opportunities when the opponent plays second to none? Are there differences from what we saw in the match against Croatia? In such a situation, does the formation matter more or are individual player functions more important?

— We don't practice playing with a «diamond», we have other tactical schemes and requirements for players, including Sudaikov. Yes, he can play in different positions. We know his best qualities and how he interacts with teammates. Sometimes he appears on the half-flank.

Tomorrow will be a completely different game than against Croatia. You cannot think or analyze that the match will be similar. Romania's team played against Spain. It is necessary to objectively highlight the Spanish team, which shows good football over many years in almost one structure, with very strong players gathered there. Croatia, Ukraine, and Romania are roughly of the same level. Our game against Croatia was practically equal. Tomorrow won't be a situation where someone will have complete territorial superiority or dominate. It will be a very tough match, plus weather conditions. Two teams will fight for a result that is needed by both.