Comments from our team’s head coach Mirko Jelicic following the match against Navbahor.
— We expected this match to be difficult for both teams physically and technically. From a tactical point of view, it is very difficult to play on this pitch. If you want to change something, you have to adapt. Today, both teams fought for the win and were highly motivated to achieve it. At the moment, we are missing several key players. Because of that, we had difficulties with rotation and could not come here with our strongest squad.
— Temurxo‘ja Abduxoliqov argued with the assistant referee in some situations.
— These situations happen in every match. Both sides believe they are right, and it is impossible to determine who is right. It is better for the referees themselves to deal with such situations. There were some incidents today that we did not like. That is football — it is difficult to control emotions in front of a full stadium. We tried to stay within the limits.
— The team’s performance changed after the three substitutions. Were these planned changes?
— We saw what we were missing and understood who could help us change it. Shuxrat Muxammadiyev felt some discomfort from an injury. Keeping him on the pitch would have meant putting him at risk. Diyor Turopov had not played for a long time, and we wanted to give him some match practice. He played well for 30 minutes, but his physical condition was not enough for more minutes. I think we started the substitutions a little late.
— Four first-team players — Abrayev, Shodiboyev, Reimov and Ibraimov — are currently with their national teams. How difficult was it to build the squad without them?
— Of course, it was difficult for us. They are all attacking players and practically forwards. They help increase the speed of our play. Today, apart from Turopov and Yakhshiboyev, the substitutes were mostly young players. It was very difficult to compensate for the players who were unavailable today. We practically had no alternatives left, and their absence was also noticeable in training. They will not be with the squad for about another month. This will also create difficulties for us.
— Before this match, Navbahor had won six games in a row. How do you assess their chances of winning the championship?
— It will be very difficult. The two teams at the top of the table are already quite far ahead. I think it is now almost impossible to catch them. Navbahor are a quality team and will remain in the upper part of the table. They have good players in their squad. But I still think it will be very difficult for them to move into first or second place.
— What goals have been set for Lokomotiv this season? What are the team’s chances of finishing in the top three?
— Our goal is to build a stable team. If you look at the squad we have assembled, we want to develop young players through the experience of the senior players. If we give them more opportunities, they will be able to help us significantly next season.