Alexander PETRAKOV: “We want to go to the World Cup in Qatar”

The coach of the Ukrainian national team talked about the preparation for the match against Scotland.

How difficult was it to assemble a team during the war? What is the significance of the duel against Scotland?

Building a team was not difficult. They gave us a special permission to leave the country. Shakhtar and Dynamo were already in Europe, so there were no difficulties with this. What is the significance of the match against Scotland? We want to go to the World Cup in Qatar.

— How did you decide to go to Slovenia?

– The UAF President said that there is an opportunity to go to Slovenia. This recommendation was made by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. I know him very well, he often visited Ukraine. I can only thank Slovenia for their help and welcome. He also thanked the President of the Slovenian Football Federation. I hope luck is on our side in Scotland.

– What feelings do you play against Borussia Mönchengladbach?

We do not currently have a national championship. We will only be able to play friendly matches. It is necessary to establish men so that this game for them is not social, but official. Our championship ended in December and did not start. The men will be completely given to the game.

– What kind of training is planned for the match against Scotland?

– It’s not my place to declare a competition. UAF works, negotiates. Everyone has a championship now, it’s hard to find training. I guess everyone will say it today or tomorrow.

– Can we expect you to call someone else to the Ukrainian national team? For example, was there information that Daniil Ignatenko could be called today?

It must be intrigue. Wait a little. On May 16, four more will arrive – Zubkov, Kacharaba, Yaremchuk and Sikan. They play on the 15th. Ask them, “How long do you need to rest?” I asked. They said we don’t need rest. We’re going to the team.”

The World Cup playoff match between Scotland and Ukraine will be played on 1 June in Glasgow.