Transcript of a press conference with the head coach of Ukraine's national team Andrea Maldini after the loss to Northern Ireland in the 3rd round of the Nations League 2026/2027.

– In these matches you practically completely changed the starting lineup. There were 10 substitutions against Georgia and another 8 today. Can you say that such a large-scale rotation became one of the reasons for the lack of understanding between players and mistakes in simple situations? And, considering today's match, will you change your approach for the next game against Hungary? Will this be another stage of experiments or will you try to play with as stable a lineup as possible?

– I don't think that what you're talking about was the reason for today's result. It was very important to manage players' resources and energy properly. I believe we played quite well when we had possession of the ball. Unfortunately, through a few episodes, we conceded goals. Of course, in certain situations, we need to be more careful. And these situations then determined the outcome.

– Question about the first half. Why did you decide to switch Bondarchuk and Zabarny's positions on the field?

– Zabarny has more, let's say, attacking skills. Today we played with two non-nominal right and left fullbacks because Bondarchuk and Matviyenko usually play center-backs. But they came to me and accepted this challenge. I also had Krups'kyi in the roster. I needed to choose, and I made my choice.

– Ivan Varfolomeyev did not come on the field today. He has played against such opponents in Championship and League One. Why didn't you want to play him today? And another question: what have you learned from today's match and against Georgia so that we don't see something like this again?

– I wanted to bring Varfolomeyev on in the second half. But then, unfortunately, Sudaikov got injured, and this led to another substitution. What we learned is that individual episodes are very important. These episodes can change the course of a match. And the first goal we conceded after a corner kick... The game turned in such a direction where our opponents were more accustomed to playing. I believe we reacted quite well right after conceding the goal. Unfortunately, then in a counterattack, we conceded another goal. So, summarizing, I can say this: individual episodes determined the course of today's match. Practically two shots – and we got two goals. And from that point on, it became very difficult to play with such a score.

– For the third match in a row we played with two strikers. Could you please say if it was on your mind to drop one player back, add an attacking midfielder? To have more players playing in central midfield.

– I wanted more quality players in the final third. And that's why I decided to start with players who possess good technical skills. In my opinion, the boys gave their all. Now we need to accept the result we saw on the football field. We need to maintain balance. Improve where necessary. And not demoralize ourselves. I believe the result is harsher than what we deserved.

– Today it was very difficult with set pieces. We conceded a goal from a corner kick. And our set pieces were not optimal. Perhaps after this training camp you will look for a specific coach for set pieces? Is there such an option?

– I do not consider another candidate for this position. We have a coaching staff who worked with set pieces as well. Sometimes you need to accept the fact that in one-on-one situations, you can lose. And if an opponent's player out-jumps our player, it is not a mistake of the coach responsible for these issues. Also, during other set-piece situations and throw-ins, the team defended quite well. The third goal was a mistake. Unfortunately, such things happen. This goal has nothing to do with preparation – Ryznyk made an error.