Former Dynamo striker Artem Milevsky publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Ukraine national team. His comments came after the third round of the Nations League match, where the team suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat to the Northern Ireland national team.
Accusations of lack of motivation
According to Milevsky, the main reason for such a result was the absence of character, dedication, and an adequate level of motivation among the footballers. The former footballer drew attention to the fact that players who perform for leading foreign clubs do not demonstrate the same qualities for the national team as they do in club matches.
Particular criticism was directed at defender Illia Zbarnyi and midfielder Viktor Tsygankov. Milevsky believes that the problem lies in these players' attitude towards performing for the national team.
"We have these posers again, who come to play for the national team. It's happening again, it's happening for some reason again. These Zbarnys, these Tsygankovs... They come from Europe, play – and then go off to ride around in their cars," – Milevsky emphasised in an interview with BLIK.ua. ("We have these posers again, who come to play for the national team. It's happening again, it's happening for some reason again. These Zbarnys, these Tsygankovs... They come from Europe, play – and then go off to ride around in their cars")
Assessment of the goalkeeper's play and general mood
The former forward also sharply assessed the behaviour and play of the players during the match against Northern Ireland, placing particular emphasis on the actions of goalkeeper Dmytro Ryznyk.
"They are just villagers who have made it to Europe, and now they walk around shopping malls with their wives. I don't envy them, believe me, I have seen a lot in life during my career. But, you understand, they don't give a damn about this national team! No character, no dedication, just mistakes, some kind of 'own goals'. Poor Ryznyk... Honestly, looking at all this – you just can't do it like that!", – Milevsky added. ("They are just villagers who have made it to Europe, and now they walk around shopping malls with their wives. I don't envy them, believe me, I have seen a lot in life during my career. But, you understand, they don't give a damn about this national team! No character, no dedication, just mistakes, some kind of 'own goals'. Poor Ryznyk... Honestly, looking at all this – you just can't do it like that!")
Context of the defeat and coaching staff reaction
During the match against Northern Ireland, one of the key moments was the episode when goalkeeper Dmytro Ryznyk conceded the third goal, which was scored between his legs. After the end of the game, the goalkeeper publicly apologised to the fans and took responsibility for the mistakes made.
Ukraine national team head coach Andrea Maldera, commenting on the result, noted that mass rotation in the team's lineup was not the cause of such a defeat.
It is worth noting that in the composition of the Ukraine national team, Artem Milevsky played 50 matches and scored eight goals.
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