Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov previews winner takes all UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy
Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov previews winner takes all UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy
Transcript
00:00 Good evening.
00:01 Good evening, dear colleagues.
00:11 We welcome you to the pre-match press conference of the head coach of the National Team of Ukraine,
00:16 Sergey Ryabrov, and our captain, Taras Stepanenko.
00:21 We welcome you.
00:22 We will work traditionally.
00:24 First, raise your hand, and then I will give you the floor.
00:30 Wait for the microphone and ask a question.
00:32 Please introduce yourself.
00:33 We have Italian media, so please translate.
00:36 Welcome to this conference with the head coach of the National Team of Ukraine,
00:42 Sergey Ryabrov, and Taras Stepanenko.
00:46 If you want to ask a question, please raise your hand,
00:51 and we will give you the opportunity to ask your questions.
00:54 Thank you.
00:55 So, friends, please, who is ready to ask the first question?
00:58 Please, here you go.
00:59 Please, give me the microphone.
01:02 Yes.
01:03 Oh, you have to press it.
01:04 Okay.
01:05 Good evening.
01:06 I have a question for the coach.
01:07 Sergey Stanislavovich, tomorrow is the decisive match for the group to go to the Euro.
01:12 Both teams need a victory.
01:15 How much have you worked on and calculated all the mistakes of the first match,
01:21 which was quite difficult for our national team in Milan?
01:23 Thank you.
01:24 You have to press it.
01:25 Do I have to press it?
01:26 No, you don't.
01:27 Well, not both teams need a victory.
01:29 But I am sure we have reviewed our previous game.
01:35 It is very important that there is information.
01:37 There is information about the previous game against North Macedonia.
01:40 So there is a lot of information.
01:42 I am sure they are ready.
01:45 It will be a different game.
01:47 I am sure there will be a lot of support here in Germany.
01:51 I am sure there will be a full stadium.
01:54 And he will support our players.
01:56 And as you said, tomorrow we need only a victory.
02:01 And taking this into account, we will build our group.
02:05 Tomorrow we have the decisive match.
02:12 We certainly need a victory.
02:16 And if you have worked on the previous mistakes.
02:21 Our CT, Mr. Ribrov, said that both teams do not need a victory.
02:28 We have provided the information on the previous match.
02:32 And it is a different game.
02:36 We certainly expect that the stadium will be full.
02:40 And he will support our players.
02:43 Good evening, Mr. Srejestanislavovic.
02:45 Ukraine needs a victory.
02:47 Italy, as you know, has none.
02:49 And in your opinion, how can this be a victory?
02:52 We have considered a lot of tactics from our side.
03:05 But how Italy will play, I think, is a very useful decision.
03:12 Everyone who can play, both defensively and offensively, is a very intense team.
03:27 They played two days ago.
03:30 But Italy always has several teams.
03:33 We should be ready for a very intense game.
03:39 Tomorrow we will decide.
03:42 We have already decided.
03:44 Tomorrow we will give the players information on how we will play.
03:47 Ukraine needs a victory.
03:49 And Italy has none.
03:51 How can this affect the game?
03:53 I am sure that it will not affect the game.
03:55 I do not think that Italy will play with a draw tomorrow.
03:58 This is not the team that will close behind and play with a draw.
04:02 Not that coach.
04:04 Tomorrow we will need a victory.
04:12 And for Italy, a draw is also good.
04:15 If this can influence the course of the game.
04:22 And if the Italians will act on the counter.
04:27 We have examined several tactics.
04:32 Italy is a team that can play both defensively and offensively.
04:40 It is a very intense team.
04:43 It has a couple of starting players.
04:47 A good set of executors.
04:50 And what tactics to apply and use.
04:55 We will decide tomorrow.
04:57 We will give this information to our players.
05:01 I am sure that we have to play.
05:06 Let's see what happens.
05:08 - Sergey Zakharchenko, Sospilna.
05:11 - I also have a question for the head coach.
05:14 About the previous match against Legia in Gdansk.
05:18 Tell us, please, are you satisfied with how this match went?
05:22 How much did this match interfere with the preparation for Italy?
05:26 Are all the players healthy after the game?
05:29 And also the question why this game was played behind closed doors?
05:34 - It is clear why behind closed doors.
05:38 Because this is a friendly game.
05:40 We played not with the national team, but with the team.
05:43 This game was a direct preparation for the game against Italy.
05:46 This game was planned by us.
05:49 We were not very happy to play against Italy in two days before the official game.
05:56 This game was in our plan.
05:59 I think it was a very beneficial game.
06:02 It is very important that no one was injured.
06:05 And today all the players are participating in the training.
06:09 This is a very useful game for us before the game against Italy.
06:14 - The question was if the previous match against Legia in Gdansk,
06:22 are you satisfied with that match?
06:25 And if this match did not interfere with the preparation for the game against Italy?
06:31 And why this match was played behind closed doors?
06:36 - The coach said that we played with a team, not with a national team.
06:45 This match was planned for the 17th of August,
06:50 three days before the important game.
06:53 I am happy that no one was injured.
06:57 So everyone is training in a normal regime.
07:04 - Andrey Torostak, Zaitsev Blu, please.
07:07 - Good evening.
07:09 I have a question for both coaches and players.
07:13 Last weekend we saw that our top players are in very good shape in the top leagues of Europe.
07:24 Do you feel any positive feelings in the team?
07:42 - I will start.
07:45 I have been working with the national team for a long time.
07:50 I like the atmosphere in the team, despite the fact that the players play for their clubs.
07:58 They come here and it is a completely different task,
08:02 a completely different responsibility to our country, to our people.
08:08 I cannot say how the atmosphere has changed since then.
08:13 I am sure that the matches against Shakhtar, when they beat Barcelona,
08:20 will give confidence to the players.
08:23 I am sure that these matches will give confidence to the players.
08:32 - Taras Klashutin.
08:35 - I think that I have said everything.
08:40 It is always pleasant when our guys win.
08:47 We follow them and send them greetings from the air.
08:53 We congratulate them on their active activities in the attack and defense.
08:59 It is very important for them.
09:02 I will be mentally and psychologically sure of what they do.
09:06 If you score a goal, your team will win.
09:10 Especially in the championships with very intense matches,
09:14 when each match is very aggressive, it is cool.
09:18 I think that this gives confidence to the players who score and win such matches.
09:25 - Pavel Klavtsev.
09:28 - The question was, last weekend our players,
09:37 who play their role in foreign teams in Europe,
09:44 showed a good performance.
09:47 Have you felt the positivity in the team compared to before?
09:55 Do you think that the attitude and the close relationships between the players are better?
10:01 Mr. Rebrov said that he has been working in the team for a short time.
10:07 He said that he likes the atmosphere in the team.
10:11 There is another responsibility when you play for the national team.
10:17 But the matches that our players play abroad,
10:22 in European teams, give confidence.
10:28 They certainly favor the atmosphere in the team.
10:32 Our player, Stjepan Enko, said that our players win well in other championships.
10:45 We call on our players who work in other foreign teams
10:54 and we congratulate them when they play well in attack or defense.
10:59 When the teams win, especially in the match against Shakhtar Barcelona,
11:06 these things give confidence and a feeling of security.
11:13 Do you have a microphone?
11:17 Hi, I have a question for the coach in English.
11:24 I would like to know how big do you see the chances to qualify for the Euro?
11:32 What is your general approach for the game tomorrow?
11:37 Do I see the chances for tomorrow?
11:40 The general approach and how big do you think the chances are to qualify?
11:48 I think we have a chance, a very good chance.
11:52 Especially this game is different than the game in San Siro,
11:55 because tomorrow we have our supporters here,
11:57 nearly the full stadium will be supporting us.
12:01 I remember our game here in Germany when we played in Bremen,
12:05 there was big support from the Ukrainians,
12:07 and I'm sure tomorrow will be the same atmosphere.
12:09 I'm sure it will change the minds of the players,
12:13 because when you come in for the full stadium of San Siro
12:16 and the full stadium with our flags, I think it's going to be different.
12:20 It gives more motivation for the players, and I believe we have a good chance.
12:25 I always tell the players not to be afraid to lose the game.
12:29 It's very important to be afraid to not do enough to win the game.
12:34 Tomorrow we have to show our strength and do our best.
12:38 Do you understand English?
12:40 No, no, no.
12:41 English is second official in Ukraine, so don't worry.
12:44 It's okay. Yes, please, Sergii Zakharchenko.
12:46 The question is about the European Union.
12:48 The question is about the European Union.
12:50 A few weeks ago, the President of the UEFA, Alexander Chevrin,
12:54 said that Italy should play for the Euro.
12:57 This question is for both Sergii and Mr. Taras.
13:00 How did you react to these words?
13:02 Is there any warning that maybe tomorrow Italy will help?
13:08 How did you react to these words?
13:10 I think that people in Ukraine should react to this.
13:16 We should focus on our game.
13:18 Tomorrow, as I said, it's very important for the players to be mentally ready for the game.
13:27 They should forget about everything, all the statements in the press and focus on their game.
13:35 I think that these statements will not affect our players in any way.
13:42 They will only be more angry and will understand that tomorrow's result can only be achieved by us.
13:53 The question is about the European Union.
13:57 A few weeks ago, the President of the UEFA, Alexander Chevrin,
14:01 said that Italy should play for the Euro.
14:06 How did you react to these statements?
14:10 Our CT, Mr. Ribrov, said that people in Ukraine should react to this.
14:18 Our players should focus on their game.
14:23 They should be mentally ready to play well and not think about the statements.
14:31 I think that these statements will not affect our game in any way.
14:40 Yes, please.
14:41 Yes, one question in English, please, to the coach.
14:43 My name is Philipp Ahrens from the newspaper Bild.
14:46 What would it mean for you and your country to take part in this tournament here in Germany?
14:53 You play like a final now in Germany for being part of this tournament here.
14:58 I think first I always said we are supporting all the countries, all the cities we are playing.
15:05 We are very pleased, especially Germany.
15:07 I remember the atmosphere when we played a friendly match in Bremer.
15:11 Today is the same.
15:12 We are pleased to be given the opportunity to play here.
15:15 I'm sure the people of Ukraine support us and we are very pleased for it.
15:20 I think it's good that we didn't play official matches in Germany
15:24 in the last match of qualification we played here,
15:26 because here are lots of Ukrainian people, lots of German people who support Ukraine.
15:32 I'm sure tomorrow will be a very good and very important atmosphere for this decision game.
15:37 Yes, please. Not now.
15:39 Question for the coach in English, please.
15:48 This may seem a very simplistic question, so I apologise,
15:51 but what will it mean to the people in Ukraine if your team is playing in the finals next summer?
15:56 What message will it send to the world and everybody else that Ukraine is on the big stage?
16:01 I always say it's very difficult in our country.
16:04 All our players are playing for our people who need support now.
16:08 I think for all our people we are missing emotions.
16:12 Now with more than one and a half year of war, the people are missing emotions.
16:16 I think big sports like football gives emotions.
16:19 I'm sure tomorrow will be lots of people watching, lots of people supporting us, and we will feel it.
16:25 Of course, we are all playing for them.
16:27 We are all playing for our army.
16:30 We are all pleased for all of them to support our freedom.
16:33 I'm sure all the players understand why we are playing and for whom we are playing.
16:38 We are very pleased, and tomorrow I don't think they need extra motivation for this game.
16:43 We all understand, and as you see, the motivation of the players before the game when they come with the flag,
16:50 I think it's very important.
16:53 Okay, some last questions if you have.
16:58 Thank you.
16:59 I have a question for Teras.
17:01 Sergii Stanislavovich said that the team must be mentally ready.
17:05 Is the game decisive? Do you feel pressure?
17:08 How not to get too excited and not make a mistake on the field because of anxiety?
17:12 What is on your mind before the game?
17:15 I think we have a lot of players who have played at this level.
17:22 I can say that we are all mentally ready.
17:27 The atmosphere is good.
17:29 We can't say that this game is a kind of an apogee.
17:38 The media is spilling the beans.
17:41 But this process of work during this year has led us to the conclusion that every game
17:46 gave us the opportunity to play a decisive game tomorrow.
17:50 So mentally, if you look at every game in the qualifier, it was very responsible,
17:57 because every game gave us the opportunity to take part in the final part of the Euro.
18:06 So tomorrow is another game on our way, on our process to the Euro.
18:12 So if we take this game, then every game of the group was like that.
18:18 But tomorrow we should have a little more concentration and confidence in our strength.
18:25 The question was addressed to the national captain, Mr. Stepanenko.
18:33 If you are mentally ready for this game, if you feel the pressure,
18:43 what is on your mind?
18:48 The answer was that many players have played at this level,
18:55 have participated in several games of this level, are mentally ready,
19:00 and that we have a great atmosphere within the team.
19:06 We know very well that this game tomorrow is not the apex of everything.
19:15 This is a job that has been done throughout the year,
19:19 and this has given us the opportunity to play tomorrow.
19:22 Every game of this qualification has had its weight and importance.
19:28 So I repeat, tomorrow we have another game on our way to the qualification.
19:37 We certainly have to be more focused and more attentive on the pitch.
19:53 I wanted to ask the captain, if there is a player,
19:59 and I know he will be all good,
20:02 if there is an Italian player that he would like to have in his team tomorrow night.
20:07 And if the captain, having not played the previous round,
20:11 but had only faced a friendly, could be a problem.
20:16 Edmond Dupin, Corriere dello Sport, thank you.
20:20 I have a question for the head coach, Mr. Rebrov.
20:25 Is there a player, of course, all the players are good,
20:29 but who would you like to see tomorrow in your team?
20:34 He also has an Italian team in mind.
20:38 And to the captain, he would like to ask a question.
20:42 I don't understand anything.
20:44 In his team?
20:45 In the Italian team.
20:47 For the national team, right?
20:50 For the Italian national team?
20:52 In the Ukrainian team?
20:54 Did I hear it right?
20:56 Who would you take from the Italian team to your team tomorrow?
21:00 And to Mr. Stepanenko, the fact that he did not take part in the friendly,
21:06 how does he feel about tomorrow's game?
21:09 He took part.
21:11 He took nothing.
21:13 First of all, I respect the Italian national team.
21:16 It is a very strong team.
21:18 But I believe in my boys.
21:20 I don't need players from Italy.
21:22 I think we have a very good team and we don't need them.
21:27 But we all understand the strength of the Italian national team,
21:31 where the best players from all over the world are gathered.
21:35 We respect Italy, but I am very happy to work with these guys.
21:40 I have great respect for the Italian national team.
21:47 There are excellent players, but I don't need any of them.
21:53 The Italian national team is a great team.
21:57 They are all excellent players.
21:59 But I don't need the opponents.
22:04 Thank you.
22:06 Mr. Stepanenko, did he take part in the friendly?
22:12 He said that he only took part in the pre-match game against Italy.
22:28 And you didn't play in the previous matches.
22:31 Will this affect your game tomorrow?
22:34 He said that he only played in the pre-match game against Legia.
22:39 He only played against Malta.
22:41 He lost the game against Malta.
22:44 You mean the games in the club?
22:46 He played with Macedonia.
22:49 He didn't play with any other team.
22:53 We want to know if...
22:56 He is asking the whole team, not just Taras.
22:59 But he asked him a question.
23:02 Do you think that we didn't play in the previous matches?
23:06 He didn't think about it.
23:08 Maybe.
23:09 No, everything is fine.
23:12 We had training, we had a game.
23:16 Everyone had their own time.
23:18 If we are talking about the match against Legia, everyone had their own time.
23:22 It was divided into groups.
23:26 Some played more, some played less.
23:28 Everyone took part, so there is no problem.
23:33 Everything is fine. Everyone had their own training.
23:36 Everyone had their own time.
23:38 Some played more, some played less.
23:41 But in general, everything is fine.
23:45 Yes, sir.
23:47 I'm Hartmut Scherzer, I'm a German journalist.
23:53 I have a question for Mr. Reberov.
23:56 After the draw against England,
23:59 you said we know about our responsibility for the country.
24:06 Is this the same for this crucial match?
24:09 Is it a motivation or is it a burden?
24:13 A special emotional match?
24:16 I think all of these things are very important.
24:19 As we said, one thing is to play against North Macedonia or Malta
24:23 with respect to these countries,
24:25 but the other thing is when you play against England or Italy.
24:28 Of course, this is not only a responsibility, we have to show our face.
24:31 These games are a show of our face.
24:33 I think we did well against England when we played at home.
24:36 I think we made lots of mistakes when we played away in Italy.
24:41 Tomorrow we have to be more concentrated.
24:44 As I said before, this game is for our country
24:47 and the players understand our responsibility.
24:50 I'm Paolo Tomaseri, Corriere della Sera.
24:55 A question for the coach.
24:57 In recent days, did you have the occasion to talk with Mr. Zelensky?
25:01 And if yes, what did he say to you?
25:04 For now, I didn't talk. I think he has more important things.
25:09 Of course, he's wishing us good luck.
25:11 He's always supportive when I talk with him.
25:14 He's interested in football very much,
25:16 but of course he has more important things to do.
25:19 We all understand this.
25:21 As I said, we are playing not for Zelensky,
25:23 we are playing for our people, for everybody who supports us.
25:26 All the players who are now on the national team,
25:29 I'm sure they are ready for the fight tomorrow.
25:32 Thank you very much for your participation.
25:35 Thank you.
25:36 Thank you.
25:38 Thank you.
25:39 Fifteen minutes of the training session is open to the media.
25:41 Thank you.
25:42 (door closing)