Mikhail Fomenko thinks Ukraine deserved to qualify for Euro 2016 after seeing off Slovenia in a two-legged play-off.
Ukraine finally ended their play-off curse thanks to a 1-1 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday that sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph.
The Ukrainians had lost five two-legged play-off matches to reach major tournaments in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2010 and 2014, but finally ended that run to book a spot in France next year.
Speaking afterwards in Maribor, head coach Fomenko heaped praise on the Ukraine squad, telling reporters: I would like to thank from my heart all the players for their work. For such a fight on the pitch you have to be really prepared both physically and mentally.
Compliments also go to the entire leadership of the national team and the f…