Mikhail Markhel: «Ready for the game»

The head coach of the national team of Belarus accompanied by midfielder Yevgeny Yablonski, answered questions from journalists ahead of the match against Estonia.

- What are the news for the last 2 days from the team?

- There is no special news - everyone is alive and well, everyone is preparing, their in good mood and ready for the game.

- Do you consider it as a good sign that you will have to play at «Dinamo», Stadium, which turned out to be successful for the national team in the UEFA Nations League?

- I am glad to return to Minsk again, to play in a good stadium with support. This leaves a definite imprint, but we have experienced players who can handle this. The mood is very good. There are certain memories, I myself played at this stadium. It is very pleasant to plunge into this atmosphere again.

- Do you expect a match similar to the one which we saw in Tallinn, or will the games be different?

- We have great respect for the opposing team. It is clear that the the fact that we play at home with our supporters will have it's affect on the game. But in general, I think that our tactics and strategy will not change. We will try to play attacking football with our spectators and improve the display that we had in Tallinn.

- Klavan is not on the list of the Estonian national team. Do you think this will somehow affect the game?

- No. If Klavan would have come - we would try to play in the same way. We focus more on our game.

- How important are the upcoming matches in the context of preparation of the team for the spring games of the UEFA Nations League?

- This is very important, because we do not have many games left to prepare well. Plus, as a relatively new coach, I want to get to know the guys closer in order to determine those players who can be relied on in the March games.

- Eugene, how is the change in the attitude of the fans felt in the team? The victory over Estonia encourages fans to expect even more from the national team. Now the team is waiting for a home match...

- I think that victory is victory. People got positive emotions, I think it will have it's affect. Tomorrow we will expect a lot of fans, good support - this will give us more strength, emotions. I think they will help us in tomorrow's game.

- Eugene, you just recently started to be called up to the national team. How different are games for a national team from matches for a football club?

- Games are different, another responsibility. But there is also European club competitions experience that helped me cope with the excitement in the past 2 games for the national team. Every football player wants to play for the national team, I am pleased to be here. I will do everything so that the team achieves progress and positive results.