Mikhail Markhel: «I believe that victories bring confidence»

Belarus national team head coach answered the questions of the media in the company of defender Nikolai Zolotov ahead of the away friendly game against Wales.

- Will there be a lot of changes in the squad compared to the game against Estonia?

- I think that in this game we will try to give a chance to the players that didn't play against Estonia to show their skills. Friendly games exist for us to take a look at the people. Especially in such conditions as here - with a good team. We have a lot of young players and we will give them a chance.

- Do you expect Ryan Giggs to do the same?

- It is hard for me to say.

- Do you expect to see Gareth Bale on the suad list tomorrow and how are you preparing for him?

- I would'nt predict whether he will play or not. If he plays obviously we will draw a lot of attention to him. Tomorrow we will see. 

- Nikolai, what do you think about meeting Gareth Bale on the pitch tomorrow? 

- It is a top player, but I would'nt highlight him only in the opponents squad. They have a lot of strong payers and we will prepare for the whole team rather than just Gareth Bale. 

- Do you expect Wales to show a similar game to the one you saw when you played against Northern Ireland?

- As far as I can judge from our preparation for the game the teams are slightly different. I wouldnt draw parallels. The teams have a slightly different style.

- Nikolai, are you nervous about your debut? Is it difficult or easy to start your career in the national team against such a tough opponent?

- I hope that I will make the debut. I can not say that I am very nervous. Perhaps I will be nervous before the whistle but it will dissapear with the first touch of the ball. It is always good to play against a tough opponent as you will have more opportunities to show yur level and test ypurself. 

- Are you happy with the fact the game is going to tske place? There have been a lot of discussions about whether friendly games should be played at all...

- In our situation it is a very good thing in terms of our preparation for the UEFA Nations League. We are happy to be here and to have the opportunity to play with a good team. 

- Did the friday victory influence the team's mood and confidence?

- I think so. I believe that victories bring confidence. Victory is very important for us. In the phsychological aspect it is very important for the team.

- Tomorrow Завтра ожидается около 6.000 болельщиков. Какую ожидаете атмосферу и как она отразится на команде?

- Для нас главное игра. Зная, как валлийские болельщики относятся к своей команде – думаю, будет атмосфера да, которая нам подходит. Мы рады оказаться на таком стадионе и сыграть с таким соперником. Для нас это большая школа.

- Будет преимуществом для Беларуси, что прогнозируется мало болельщиков?

- Не думаю. Мы сталкиваемся с профессиональной командой, не думаю, что это как-то повиляет.