Euro 2009 (U-21) qualifying. Ukraine - Czech Republic. Post match press conference

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Olexiy Mykhaylichenko, Ukraine U-21 national team head coach:

- We understand that after this defeat our chances to qualify for Euro 2009 are purely theoretical. It is very upsetting to lose like that when we showed good play but that's football. Our opponents were better than us, had more class and used their slightest chances. Our players showed their full devotion on the pitch, I cannot blame them in this respect. I especially liked the third quarter of the match when it looked as though we were about to score. Of course I accept all responsibility for our failure to qualify. My future as U-21 team head coach will be decided at the congress of Football Federation.

I think this team has future. We called up many players born in 1988-1990. They can help U-21 team in the next cycles. It is very important that they should be able to develop as footballers. It depends not only on match practice in clubs but also on personal psychology of every player. If he wants to make progress, he will. The main thing is not to let yourself calm down, seek to play and win.

I thank Zaporizhya for the hearty welcome and for great conditions for our trainings.

Vitezslav Lavicka, Czech Republic U-21 national team head coach:

- I think it was a game of two very good teams that demonstrated classy football. We had difficult episodes in the match but my players coped with that and used their chances. I think that the better skill of Czech team decided the outcome of the game.

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