— Comment on your selection.

— Regarding the forwards, we were counting on Danylo Sikanchuk, but unfortunately, he had passport issues recently. The embassy couldn't process it in time for him to travel. Due to lack of time, we didn't have the opportunity to get documents for another player at this position. However, I believe we have players who can play in attack. 

As for the call-ups — there were several players who asked me not to call them because they had injuries and needed time to recover. These are Mikhaylenko and Dovbik. They had a very tough season. It was important for them to rest their injuries. 

Regarding Yarmolenko — I hold Andriy in high regard. He had an excellent season. He is 36 years old, this is a friendly tournament, if it were an official game, he would definitely be called up. So we will watch the next games. I gave him rest as well as Vitaliy Buyalskyi. The rest of the players are here. I am sure those who have been called up for the first time deserve it. I told them that it's important to show such a level not only in their teams but also in the national team and demonstrate the same standard as in the Ukrainian league. 

— Do you plan to experiment with the lineup and tactics at this tournament, considering that there is only one center forward?

— We'll see. We have experienced players who can play in this position. This isn't a problem. I believe we should use this tournament to prepare for very important qualification matches. All the players called up for the national team — there were no refusals. No one said they were tired. There were injuries that really needed to be rested, and because of that, the players asked me. But everyone arrived and is preparing. I see a very good mood among the boys, they want to show themselves. This applies to the footballers who have been called up for the first time as well. They truly deserve it. 

No one will play all 180 minutes at this tournament; everyone will get playing practice in 90-minute increments. 

— Ukraine is in a short group for the World Cup-2026 qualifiers, and six matches will be played in the fall. Perhaps it's even more convenient for coaches: focus on a shorter period rather than stretching out games over a year. What do you think?

— I believe it will be easier for us since players will remain in better shape. If we were to play official matches now — there would be many injuries, and many footballers would be very tired. Logistics are currently quite difficult in Ukraine. Therefore, I think it's better to start later when our top clubs, hopefully, will be playing qualifiers for European competitions.  And most championships will have started by then. That's why I believe starting later will be better.

— There are players who were not called up, such as Yegor Tverdohlib — the second top scorer in the UPL, or Ambrosiy Chachua, who scored 10 goals. Are you following them? What do they need to do to get a call-up in the future?

— Showing consistent play — that's very important. I don't have criteria for liking someone or not. I believe it's crucial to show consistently high-level play to be called up to the national team. 

Unfortunately, we can't use players from the youth squad right now. We wish them success. I think it's very important that our youth team goes to Euro with its main lineup. We will closely monitor their progress. We still have hope for those players who are currently in the youth squad. Almost all of them are finishing their period in youth and many will be ready next season to play for the first team. 

Reminder, the friendly match against Canada will take place on June 7th at BMO Field in Toronto (kick-off time is 22:30 Kyiv time).