Ukraine national team defender Illia Zabarny together with head coach Serhiy Rebrov participated in a press conference the day before the first match of the 2024/2025 League of Nations playoffs against Belgium.

— How are the players preparing for the match against Belgium? Is this a friendly game with increased responsibility, or is there an objective to advance to League A?

— The players are very serious about it. Each of us wants to represent our country against some of the best national teams in the world. So we will do everything possible, come out and achieve what we can.

— What should be focused on? What could be dangerous about the Belgian players?

— It's an important match, it has been a long time since we had national team games. For every football player, this is not just a game. You come out and show the whole world the strength of Ukrainians. Especially now that everyone knows what the situation is like. There is war, people need something positive. We will try to do that. It's important now to come out and show everything we can. I know that a lot depends on us, and we can give a lot.

— Due to suspension, you missed several club matches. Did you lose some form?

— I didn't lose it, but rather rested. I arrived fully prepared to play for the national team after my last match with the club.

Recall that the playoff matches of the League of Nations against Belgium will take place on March 20 in Murcia and on March 23 in Ghent.