Alexander Zinchenko: "We need to be ready and focused at 100 percent"

Oleksandr Zinchenko along with the head coach of the Ukraine national team Serhiy Rebrov participated in a press conference the day before the 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Azerbaijan in Baku. — In the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Ukrainian national team started with a match against the group favorite, France, and now you are facing a weaker team.

Alexander Zinchenko: "We need to be ready and focused at 100 percent"

Photo: Dan Balashov

Alexander Zinchenko together with the head coach of the Ukraine national team Serhiy Rebrov participated in a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Azerbaijan in Baku.

— In the qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Ukraine started with a game against the group favorite, France. Now you have to face a weaker team. How do you prepare psychologically and avoid underestimating your opponent?

— There are no weak opponents at the level of national teams. We need to be ready and focused on this game 100 percent.  

— Alexander, in what position will we see you in tomorrow's match — in midfield or on the flank? And where do you feel more comfortable playing?

— Wherever the head coach sees me, that is the position I am ready to play and give my all on the football field. The main thing is to be useful to the team. 

Reminder, the 2026 World Cup qualifier match Azerbaijan — Ukraine will take place in Baku on September 9 (kickoff at 19:00 Kyiv time).