Today, September 8th, ahead of the match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan in Baku, head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference.

— Today's top news is the dismissal of Fernando Santos from his position as head coach of the Azerbaijani national team. What is your reaction to this, and how will it affect preparation for tomorrow's match?

— Of course, it affects our preparations, we will make necessary adjustments. We have presented our players with information about the opposing team, showing them how Azerbaijan plays in attack and defense. But what is important is what we will show tomorrow. I believe that the national team will be ready for any model of play by Azerbaijan.

— Where will we see Oleksandr Zinchenko tomorrow — in midfield or on the flank?

— Wait and see tomorrow's game to find out. Generally, when Oleksandr is on the field, he helps the team greatly no matter what position he plays. He plays with heart, for Ukraine. Even without match practice at 'Arsenal', when he joins the national team, I don't feel that he hasn't played any matches this season. I'm confident that now he will get playing time at 'Nottingham Forest'.

— In the match against France, we saw three debutants in the national squad lineup, and also witnessed a victorious starting lineup of Ukraine's youth team. Does it please you how the system of national teams is working now — especially the U19 under Unai Melgares?

— Yes, it pleases me. I believe it's important for players who play in youth teams to have a goal to make it into the national team. And an understanding that making it into the national team depends on how they perform in the youth team.

Overall, football for the national team is what you show today. It's important for the squad that players demonstrate stability because there's competition for every position. If there's stability, then there's a chance to cement oneself in the national team. Players who came on as substitutes against France's national team deserved this opportunity. They gained valuable experience for the future.

— For the first time in many years, Ukrainian clubs are not playing in the Champions League group stage. How has this fact affected the performance of the national team?

— Unfortunately, now our clubs have to go through qualification because our club ranking has dropped. There's a war going on in our country, it's difficult to maintain the level under these conditions.

It's important for me that Ukrainian clubs are represented in European competitions. It's important to represent our country at this level. I hope — and I'm confident about this — that next year we will be fighting for a place in the Champions League.

— In what psychological state is Georgiy Sudakov after yesterday's news that shelling hit his house in Kyiv?

— Unfortunately, we are all in such a situation. When I tell my players, and this is very important, to focus on the game, there's an understanding that everyone has family in Ukraine who they're in constant contact with. Everyone returns to Ukraine, monitors the news. Unfortunately, now this happened to Georgiy. It had previously happened to other players when their relatives found themselves in similar situations. But I believe it will add motivation for the footballers. We understand which country we play for and whom we represent here on the international stage. All of this will add motivation to our players, and tomorrow they will be more motivated.

— Now you are going to play against a very weak national team, do you think your team will achieve an easy victory tomorrow?

— I think that tomorrow's game will be tough. I hope this press conference is not heard by our players because when teams change coaches, it can be perceived differently. I don't consider the Azerbaijani national team to be weak. I watched their matches, especially the first half against Iceland — I don't consider Azerbaijan's national team to have played very poorly. They acted organized but unfortunately did not create many opportunities.

Tomorrow will be a tough game. We will do everything we can so that our players understand this and from the first minute strive for results. 

Let us remind you, the 2026 World Cup qualifier match between Azerbaijan — Ukraine will take place in Baku on September 9th (kick-off at 19:00 Kyiv time).