LUCKEVICH: “We will fight to the end for the team and the country in the Europa League”

Dnipro-1 defender Valery Luchkevich summarized the team’s pre-season training:

– I think we had a very good training camp. All fully laid out, immersed in training and sparring. Of course, we tried to complete the training camp with a win, but we played 3:3. We had a good competitor. I would also note all our staff who showed themselves very well – everyone was great. Special thanks to Ivan Andreevich for everything.

– The team has been greatly updated compared to last season: a new coaching staff and players have arrived. Can we say that the adaptation is over?

– Yes, we are gradually getting used to each other and there is already an understanding of what the head coach and the whole coaching team want from us, and we are trying to embody their thoughts on the football field from our point of view. Of course, more time is needed, because not everything is built quickly, but we still listen to the head coach and try to follow all his instructions on the football field.

– How possible was it to concentrate on training camps when there was war in the country?

– You know, when you’re sitting at home and you can’t help at all and do what you love at boot camp, you understand why you’re doing it and that’s so people don’t forget. It’s an ongoing war in our country and we remember it in every game and every practice. And what we’re doing right now is much better than sitting at home.

– In many practice matches, including the last one, there was tangible support from the Ukrainian fans in the stands. How to play in such an atmosphere?

– Of course, it’s beautiful. We were in Slovenia, Austria and Croatia during the training camp and were very warmly supported everywhere. Many thanks to our Ukrainians who came to the games, because it’s nice to hear your mother tongue in another country, to see your compatriots. It inspires and empowers.

– One week left until the first official match. How do you approach the start of the Europa League?

– The mood is very positive, because we have been waiting for this for a long time. Now we are waiting for our opponent, who will turn into exactly him. We will be prepared and I can say one hundred percent that everyone who enters the football field will fight to the end – for the team and for the country.