Hleb: Improvement Belarus ready for Spain

Belarus will have a tough job to keep their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying hopes alive on Sunday – but if they want to beat Spain in Borisov, they at least have the benefit of calling on Aleksandr Hleb.

The 34-year-old midfielder played alongside several current Spanish internationals at FC Barcelona. Now with Gençlerbirliği SK, Hleb is limbering up to face Spain having had a crucial role in the 2-1 win in FYR Macedonia in March that moved Belarus to within five points of third-placed Ukraine in Group C. Hleb spoke to UEFA.com about Belarus's improvement under Aleksandr Khatskevich, appointed coach in December, the match against Spain and their "slim" chances of reaching France.

UEFA.com: What has changed in the national team since Aleksandr Khatskevich took over?

Aleksandr Helb: He is a good and capable coach. He used to play under the legendary Valeriy Lobanovskiy which means Khatskevich received a great schooling. He also played at the highest level himself. The team spirit has changed since his arrival – the lads are happy to come to the get-togethers.

UEFA.com: Belarus have only four points from five qualifiers. Is that a fair reflection of the Belarus team today?

Helb: I don't think so. We failed to start the campaign well and everyone is to blame for that – the previous technical staff and all the players. We have very slim chances of going through but until there is a no possibility of progress we should try. Of course it is a massive ask but these kind of challenges inspire players. We just have to remember that our team is not as dead as some people think.

UEFA.com: Has the recent victory in FYR Macedonia raised confidence levels?

Hleb: Absolutely, it was a breath of fresh air – new coach, new motivation – but we should keep our feet on the ground. As far as our chances of qualifying go, they are tiny.

UEFA.com: How realistic are Belarus's prospects of taking points off Spain?

Hleb: I think we will approach this match in our best shape. There are no squad problems, everyone is fit and ready to play. It was very important to avoid injuries in the friendly [4-2 loss] against Russia [on 7 June]. We are realistic about our chances – the main thing is to avoid silly and unnecessary mistakes. But obviously Spain are favourites. They'll have the ball and will create a lot of problems. I just want us to stay calm and play the way we can, without fear or needless pressure.

UEFA.com: Three words to describe Spanish football ...

Hleb: Pace, skill, beauty.

UEFA.com: What do you remember best from your time in Spain?

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Hleb: How I experienced the atmosphere of a super club in the first place. Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, [Thierry] Henry – to play alongside such footballers was priceless. Messi is a 100% natural talent. A gift of God. I played alongside him and he hardly seemed to work up a sweat. [In training] he's walking and he doesn't really stand out when everyone is working hard. In the gym too. But when he has the ball at his feet there is nothing you can do.

UEFA.com: What are your personal goals at this stage in your career?

Hleb: I want to play in a league that I like – where I feel comfortable and enjoy myself, enjoy playing and training. I have to be objective – I am 34, I am not a EU citizen. I am experienced and I do not make plans like I used to.