WORLD CUP 2006
Ukraine Interview Coach - Oleh Blokhin
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What are your thoughts on the draw?
Our team have already surpassed expectations just by reaching the World Cup. That allows us to try to do our best at the finals without fear, because we have nothing to lose. As for the group, all four teams have an equal chance of going through. The Spaniards need no introduction; Tunisia are former African champions with a lot of players at European clubs; the Saudis are something of an unknown force and are likely to benefit from having had the rare opportunity to gather as a squad for a couple of months before the finals.
Who are the most influential players in your squad?
Well, first of all our tactics are wholly reliant on us having a collective strength. But of course we do have Andrii Shevchenko, who was our best player by far during the qualifiers. He was at his best when it was most needed and he led his team-mates by example.
What was your biggest challenge on taking the Ukraine job?
Before, I had worked only as a club coach, when I was with the players every day. With the Ukraine job, I didn’t understand at first how I could prepare the team for a game in just 48 hours.
Have you changed the mentality of the national team players?
I have tried to instil a winning mentality, to rid the dressing-room of the feeling that the squad were underachievers. Also, I only wanted players who were committed to play for their country. That was definitely the most difficult task we had to overcome during the qualifying campaign.
Many pundits are predicting that these finals will throw up a lot of surprises. Is that your view?
More teams are capable of winning the tournament than ever before. The big surprise may come from one of the African countries. An African team has never won the World Cup, but the continent has produced a great number of outstanding players, many of whom have starred at leading European clubs. We must also not overlook the fact that the African countries are now managed by experienced, renowned coaches.
How far can Ukraine go in Germany?
Realistically, our aim will be to progress beyond the group stage. Believing that Ukraine could win the tournament is no doubt a fantasy, although we have the recent example of Greece winning Euro 2004 completely against the odds. I have promised the fans I’ll shave off my hair if we do lift the trophy!
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