Denis Korostichenko, head coach of “Lokomotiv” expressed his opinion after the match against “Dynamo” in the 5th round of the Pro League.
– Hello everyone. What about the game? This game did not disappoint anyone. Although no goals were scored in the match, there were many chances, both teams showed an attacking game. In general, it can be said that it was an even match. Such games are always interesting. Teams attacked, tried to create chances, neither we nor they could close. I think we had a bit more advantage than them, we kept the ball more, we created more chances. In the first part, we tried to use standards in different ways. We did a lot of what we planned, only we didn’t score. The boys were able to challenge themselves to the game. The last minutes of the debate were full of pressure. Everyone fought and played until the last minute. “Dynamo” did not play badly either, they also had good situations. That’s why I can say it was an equal match.
– Are you satisfied with the game of the midfielders? Because the midfielders were left behind when the team was moving to a quick attack. Because of this, the team’s attacks lacked variety. It was as if there was depth in the midfield.
– It is very difficult to say, maybe it can be connected with the opponent’s game. Because it is not easy for a midfielder to quickly cover a distance of 45-50 meters. Our football is based on ball control. For this reason, our midfielders mainly played next to the defenders to attack through passes. When we went to the attack quickly, the attackers gave us a back pass when they tried to increase the speed. True, at such a time, the midfielders should be in good physical condition and should be placed closer to the forwards. To be honest, I didn’t see any serious mistakes. It is true that in one or two situations our midfielders could not help the attackers. Do not forget, now is the month of Ramadan. In addition to several midfielders, many of our players are fasting. Because of this, sometimes they cannot physically cope with the situation, they cannot use all their strength. It may seem so.
– After the matches against “Aral” and “Khorazm”, “Lokomotiv” played a better game. Is it because today’s opponents are more offensive or less defensive?
– Both of them. You are right. Today’s opponent like “Aral” and “Khorazm” has not closed. In addition, we played at home. Our field can meet the demands of football that we want to play. Since “Dynamo” was not able to close, we attacked more and tried to play more dangerously. We created fewer situations because “Aral” and “Khorazm” played more defensively. “Khorazm” field was not of high quality, maybe it will be better later. However, we struggled and played hard. Today we attacked more. The game was also good. We missed one goal.
– According to what I heard, Boyan Naydenov could leave the team due to the injury he received in the winter. But now he has recovered his condition and is playing well.
– There was no such conversation regarding Boyan. We signed a contract with him and watched how he plays in his territory. We liked his games. Yes, it was bad that he was injured in the training camp. After that, he stayed with the team and conducted recovery-rehabilitation. We were not in a hurry because we were well aware of its capabilities. We saw him two seasons ago during his games in “Navbahor”. That’s why we waited for his full recovery without haste. We have reached these days. He still needs a few games to get back to his best. His games were also liked by the fans. He is a good high level, good quality player.
– What do you say about Manuchehr Safarov’s red card at the last minute?
– I did not see the situation, we believe in our player. He said that we talked with Manuchehr, I didn’t do anything, I didn’t hit him. That’s right, he got hot and ran. You should see that situation in the video. If he really hit, we will have a separate conversation, maybe there will be a fine. It is also necessary to understand the situation correctly – it is the last minute, everyone wants to win, so everyone is heated. It is difficult to say that it was only his fault. The opponents did not like the actions of player number 44. He started the provocation as a provocateur. Marat Bikmayev and Oleg Zoteyev were there. Even then, he continued to heat up and provoke. Discipline is also needed here.
– In 2018, Khusniddin Gafurov received a red card on the field of “Metallurg” when he was playing for “Lokomotiv”. The next match was against “Pakhtakor”. Important game. At that time, when the Lokomotiv club wanted to appeal the red card 3 days before the match, the PFL announced that the case would be considered within 7 to 20 days. The club later withdrew its appeal. Because Gafurov could not play against “Pakhtakor” even if the appeal was filed. Can an appeal be filed for Manuchehr?
– Of course. We have to consider the situation and do this. We want to protect our player. If he didn’t really hit, we will file an appeal. Many red cards are now canceled by appeal committees. It happens. If the referee made a mistake, it must be corrected. Specialists are working in PFL in this regard. The situation should be reviewed.