The Kryvbas coach, talking about the upcoming confrontation with Betis, paid special attention to the circumstances of wartime
Head coach Krivbassa Yuri Vernidub commented on the upcoming return match with Betis on the field of the last in the playoff qualification Conference Leagues 2024/25.
“We were really looking forward to these European Cup matches. Betis is a Spanish team, from the top 5 European leagues. We are very pleased to be here. I understand that we lost the first match 0:2, but tomorrow is the second match. We will go out and play, and then we will see who will get a ticket to the group stage of the Conference League. All the guys are healthy, everyone is ready for battle.”
“Betis has good, fast footballers, high level. It will not be easy for us in Spain, here, at this stadium. But we are ready for a tough confrontation, a hot game. For us, this game will remain in the memory for the rest of our lives, because we represent Ukraine and will do everything to look as good as possible.”
“As for the squad, everyone is healthy. The only one missing is striker Prince Adu, who has moved to Viktoria Plzen. But we will find a replacement for him. I have high hopes for the player who will start tomorrow as a striker. I hope he will be able to show his best. Overall, I think our starting lineup will not be much different from the one in Košice.”
“Terms [подготовки] very difficult. The war in Ukraine has been going on for the third year. We understand this. But we still have to live and survive it. We will still win and protect our families and children from the orc invasion. Preparing for matches is really difficult. Plus the travel. It took us two days to get to Spain, but my guys are ready for it. Also, in the UPL, matches are often stopped, and we go to a bomb shelter. But this is our life today in Ukraine. I hope that all this will end as soon as possible and we will be able to return to peaceful life.”
“You all know that yesterday and today ballistic missiles hit civilian targets in our hometown of Krivoy Rog. Yesterday – at the Aurora Hotel, where innocent people work. There are many victims: men, women, children. Today is the Day of Mourning in Krivoy Rog. I would really like to support our Ukrainian people. I would really like this war to end soon and for us to stop losing our loved ones, our children. One of the motivations for us tomorrow is our fans. We will do everything to please and support them.”
To get through to the European Cup autumn, Vernydub’s team needs to perform a miracle – win back two goals against an opponent from a top championship, who has not lost yet in the new season.
The return match will take place in Seville at the Estadio Benito Villamarin tomorrow, August 29. The match will kick off at 22:00 Kyiv time.
Source: Sportarena

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