FC Sheriff head coach post-match against Petrocub.

Good evening. It was so important to begin the season with winning. After two months of intensive work with the team, we could see today that it’s well-prepared. We played well in both halves. After the interval, we changed the tactics and acted in a different way. We did it because the opponent tried to catch us in the defense and score. We didn’t make mistakes in the defense and controlled the game. It is true both for our attacking actions and for defense. We didn’t allow our rivals to shoot at the goal that’s why I’m satisfied with my team’s work and hope for good results in the future.

In midseason, there were new signings. Some of them came on the field today. How much are you satisfied with the newcomers’ play, especially, considering that some of them excelled with scored goals?
First of all, I’m satisfied with the entire team, not only the newcomers. As for the new players, I’m happy for them. It’s always difficult to adapt to the new championship and new team. I’m pleased with those who scored. It’s very important for forwards as the scored goals mean the right direction to our development. I’m satisfied with Ziguy who made side attacks, Rodrigues who was well-toned and other players.

This season we have only eight teams. In your opinion, is it a positive or negative factor?
We will play in four rounds plus games for the Cup. It means too many games. One cup season will be over soon, then we have another contest, in the summer we start to play at the World stage in the Champions League and, perhaps, in the Europa League. The schedule will be tough and games will be held in the mid of the week (let’s see the fixtures calendar). I would prefer to play with more teams in three rounds as we could have more time to prepare for the Euro cups. But the situation is clear, we have to adapt to it and play football.

FC Sheriff Press Office