We spoke with our team’s player Jasur Yakhshiboyev.
— Congratulations on the victory in Khorezm and on your goal.
— It was a difficult game. It was important for us to get three points. I tried to help the team as much as I could, and we managed to win. It had been a long time since I scored. I worked hard for this. First and foremost, I want to be useful to the team. I’m happy that I managed to score.
— What instructions did the coaches give you before you came onto the pitch?
— The head coach told me to take responsibility for the game and try to beat the opponents more often one-on-one.
— How much did you like your goal in terms of its beauty?
— First of all, I think about helping the team. This goal reduced the pressure from the opponent. The score was still dangerous, and the goal helped ease the situation. After that, the team started to feel more comfortable. As for how beautiful the goal was, I think it’s better to let the fans decide.
— How difficult was it to play on an artificial pitch?
— It had been a long time since I had played on an artificial pitch, and I think the same was true for most of the team. After not playing on it for a while, it is inevitably difficult for a footballer because there is a greater risk of injury. That is why players tend to be a little more cautious on artificial pitches. It was difficult for us to adapt to the ball and the surface.
— After the game, statistics showed that you had scored in the Super League for the first time in almost three years. Did you know about that?
— At that time, I played my last game for Navbahor. Almost three years have passed, and now I have joined Lokomotiv. Now I want to score even more goals, help my teammates and contribute to the team, and I will work towards that.
— A new team, a new environment. What do you think of Lokomotiv?
— The team is good, and so are the guys. I quickly got along with everyone after joining. I already knew many of them, and we have become like brothers. There is a good and close-knit group here.
— Was it difficult to adapt to the team?
— Not at all. I know most of the squad very well. Temurxo‘ja Abduxoliqov, Oleg Zoteyev and Shuxrat Muxammadiyev are like real older brothers to us, while Suxrob Nurulloyev is a close friend of mine. That’s why I quickly settled into the team.
— When you join a new team, how long does it usually take you to adapt?
— Two or three weeks. When you join a new team, at first you don’t know how to communicate with everyone or what each person’s character is like. As time goes by, we get to know everyone and become one with the team.
— What can you say about Lokomotiv’s playing style?
— Around 70 percent of the team are young players. The coach also demands that we play attractive football. Of course, the result is very important as well. During our tactical analysis sessions, the coach tells us that we need to have more possession, pass the ball and play attractive football.
— You have usually played in large stadiums. What can you say about our compact Lokomotiv Stadium?
— To be honest, I like this stadium. The fans are very close, almost as if they are standing right next to me. It’s enjoyable. The atmosphere is also different in moments like that. I prefer stadiums where the stands are closer to the pitch. The fans’ support sounds different there. I prefer compact stadiums to those with running tracks and stands located far from the pitch.
— Do you intend to play for Lokomotiv for a longer period?
— Time will tell. This year I want to return to my best physical condition, and next year I want to help the team even more.