Comments from our team’s head coach Mirko Jelicic following the match against Bunyodkor.
— We knew in advance that this would not be an easy match. At certain moments, the opponents had the advantage over us. It is good to see that, despite the club being in such a difficult situation, they are doing their job well. It is also pleasing that the club is managing to keep such quality players. However, it is very difficult to judge whether things are working out for them or not. The 4:1 scoreline does not reflect the level of the game. I am happy that Bunyodkor, despite being in such a difficult situation, offered strong resistance.
— Nikita Shevchenko has been in goal for Lokomotiv in the last three matches. Did you consider starting him again today?
— It is good that Nikita has also had time to gain match practice. However, at the moment Aleksey Kozlov is the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. God willing, we want to give both of our reserve goalkeepers opportunities before the end of the year.
— At the beginning of the season, fans criticized Lokomotiv for signing older players. But now these players are delivering the results. What is the role of experienced players in the team?
— We already knew these experienced players and were aware of their qualities. If you know what a player joining the team is capable of and understand his character, you can already imagine what you can achieve with him. Good footballers and good people have joined our squad. If you work with a player correctly, there will be no arguments. The work you put in during training will produce its result in matches. If a footballer behaves professionally and takes care of himself in every aspect, he can play football even until the age of 40. These guys are behaving like professionals. Another great thing is that the young players in the squad learn a lot from these experienced players.
— In some matches Lokomotiv play with four defenders, while in others you use five. What is your playing style?
— I like both options. Most of my coaching career has been spent using a four-defender system. If you keep playing in the same formation all the time, other coaches will be able to read you. I tried to change this during this season, but I was told that it did not suit our style of play. So I removed the five-defender system. We are working well and can change our formations at any time. Overall, it depends on the qualities of the players in the squad. For example, if you have a defender like Aleksandar Shushnyar, he adds great strength to the centre of defence, and you can play with a four-defender system. It also depends on the opponent’s style of play, how they build their team and the quality of their players.
— What can you say about Jasur Yakhshiboyev, who has scored in two consecutive matches?
— He is a dangerous player with unique qualities. We are trying to unlock his potential during training. In some situations, we see that he doesn’t need anything — he can get himself out of difficult situations on his own. At other times, we notice that he lacks some important qualities. Overall, he is providing great help to the team.
— How important is it for Temurxo‘ja Abduxoliqov to be with the team?
— It is difficult for him right now. We have also spoken to his family about this. Now he needs to gradually come out of this situation. We cannot even imagine a situation more difficult than this. I would like to thank Temurxo‘ja; he is making an effort to get through this. On our side, we are also doing everything we can to help him. But ultimately, much depends on him. I hope that going forward he will be able to help the team as he did before.