Ukraine want friendlies with Man Utd, Arsenal and City to get team fit to face Scotland in World Cup play-off

UKRAINE boss Oleksandr Petrakov wants his side to play friendlies against the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Petrakov, 64, has remained in Kyiv throughout, despite being urged by his family to head to Western Ukraine following Russia’s invasion on February 24.

Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov has remained in KyivCredit: Getty

Petrakov is eager for his side to return to actionCredit: The Sun

While attempting to help out in any way he can, Petrakov is also tasked with trying to lift his side through adversity and to this winter’s World Cup finals in Qatar.

Ukraine had been due to play Scotland at Hampden Park on March 24 in their World Cup play-off semi-final – only for the match to be postponed following the outbreak of war.

The match is expected to go ahead in June, although Petrokov feels his players will require some warm-up matches to get fit and ready.

Ukraine’s domestic-based players haven’t been in action since the war started, with men aged between 18 and 60 eligible to fight unable to play football.

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Speaking to The Guardian, Petrakov talked up the possibility of playing against the likes of “Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal” in friendlies prior to their clash with Scotland.

He would like to see money raised from the matches going to support the Ukrainian armed forces.

Elaborating on the idea, he said: “We could play at Wembley, for example, against a London club.

“It could be a good exhibition game, a response for the Ukrainian army, as well as preparatory work for the Scotland game.”

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Petrakov then added: “We have to play because without the [practice] games, it would be very hard to get to play with Scotland.”

The national team boss remains in regular contact with his players stationed outside of Ukraine, including West Ham’s Andriy Yarmolenko and Man City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko.

He continued: “They’re calling to me, saying please be safe, we couldn’t bear it if you were killed. You’re staying in dangerous zone.

“But it is easier here. If I were there, it would be harder. Mostly, all the parents of these players are staying in Ukraine. The players worry.”

Petrakov fully expects his team to be playing again by June, but he hopes they NEVER take to the field alongside Russia.

He said: “I wouldn’t want this to happen while I am still alive.

“I don’t [want] to shake hands with these guys… We have to build a great wall and do what we can do to separate from them.”

Petrakov would like to see his side in action at WembleyCredit: Rex

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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