Yurii Vernydub: We are ready for a tough confrontation and a hot game

The press conference of the head coach of the Kryvyi Rih "Kryvbas" Yuriy Vernydub before the second match of the 2024/25 Conference League playoffs against the Spanish "Betis".

- 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 there we will see who will get a ticket to the group stage of the Conference League. All the boys are healthy, all are ready for battle.

- How would you rate the opponent?

- "Betis" has good fast footballers of a high level. It will not be easy for us in Spain, here in this stadium. But we are ready for a difficult confrontation, a hot game. For us, this game will remain in our memory for the rest of our lives, because we represent Ukraine and will do everything to look our best.

- Are all your football players ready for the confrontation?

- Regarding the composition, everyone is healthy. Only striker Prince Adu, who moved to Viktoria Plzeň, will be absent. But we will find a replacement for him. I have high hopes for the player who will come out tomorrow in the forward position. I hope he will be able to show himself as best as possible. In general, I think our starting line-up will not be very different from the one that was in Košice.

- How do you prepare for matches and play the championship of Ukraine in conditions of war?

- The conditions are very difficult. There is a war in Ukraine for the third year. We understand that. But you still have to live and experience it. We will still win and protect our families and children from the onslaught of orcs. Preparing for matches is really difficult. Plus moving. It took two days to get to Spain, but my boys are ready for it. Also, in the UPL, matches are often stopped and we go to the bomb shelter. But this is our life today in Ukraine. I hope this will all end as soon as possible and we can return to a peaceful life.

You all know that yesterday and today in our native city of Kryvyi Rih there were ballistic missile attacks on civilian objects. Yesterday - at the "Aurora" hotel, where innocent people work. Many victims: men, women, children. Today is the day of mourning in Kryvyi Rih. I would really like to support our Ukrainian people. I really want this war to end as soon as possible and we stop losing our relatives and friends, our children. One of the motivations for us tomorrow is our fans. We will do everything to please and support them.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih