The day before the international friendly match against Albania (Valencia, stadium «Ciutat de Valencia», 21:45 Kyiv time), Ukraine defender Vitaliy Mykolenko spoke with the main coach of the «blue and yellows» Sergiy Rebrov and the media at a press conference.

— How did you recover after the match against Sweden? What was the atmosphere like over these days? What kind of conversations did you have with your teammates?

— The first day was tough for everyone: for all players, for all those involved in our team, for the entire staff. But then we gathered as a team, spoke to the boys, and discussed that we still have one more match and we need to go out there and fight for this country and play this friendly match. We also need to show that we have the right to play for this country.

— After the match on the pitch, you said that, for example, personally, you lack a certain experience or, due to your age, leadership qualities, and that there isn't enough of this leader in the dressing room. This was before the match against Sweden. Please tell me, what should a footballer, say, from the Ukraine national team, achieve, like Yarmolenko or Stepanenko did earlier, to become this leader and authority for other players?

— Well, maybe by going through such matches and gaining that experience. First of all — be a very good player who always gives his best for the national team and his club. If your teammates see you like this, they will work just as hard and strive to be as good players and give their 100% on the field. Perhaps if you add to all of this your experience that the boys who played before had, then you become a leader and lead the team by example. Due to my age, as I said — sometimes it's hard to catch that moment when you can say something in the dressing room and have it sound natural.