The coach of the second team of FC “Sheriff” - Shota Makharadze, in an interview with the club's press service, summed up the results of the first part of the Moldova Championship Division-A:

 

- Shota, tell us about the match with Real Sukches, was it important to achieve victory before pause in the Championship?

- In the match with Real Sukches it was necessary to show the reaction. We were determined to play confidently and in an organized manner, each player on the field wanted to show individual and collective responsibility for past unsuccessful games. The guys wanted to finish the first half of the year in a good mood. I think we managed to play as we planned.

 

- Serafim Cojocari had a good match, was he missing in the previous game against Balti?

- He is a talented, disciplined guy with good physical characteristics. Seraphim is distinguished by his versatility and professional attitude to work, I am sure if he continues to move in the same direction, then in the future he will play at a high level. In general, of course, you always want to play key games with an optimal lineup.

 

- FC Balti has set a goal to enter the National Division, was it difficult to compete with him in the games of the first part of the Championship?

- “Balti” is a solid team with experienced and high-quality players. We got a lot of experience playing with them. In the first round, probably having scored that penalty when the score was 0-0, or at least they would not have missed in the last extra minute - the alignment would have been different today. But in the home game, they outplayed us in all respects, and this must be accepted.

 

- Summarize the performance of our team in the first part of the season.

- The experience that our young pupils will gain in the championship will be invaluable. Despite all the problems we encountered - some difficulties arose before the Championship and during its holding, the team prepared for each game and tuned in for a positive result and high-quality game. What we could not avoid was not to lose at least points in specific matches, given that the start of the Championship was not bad. It's always hard to endure such defeat. At the end of the first half of the year, there was not enough stability and experience, it is worth considering the age category of our team, and, nevertheless, we must look ahead.

 

- You often note the positive aspects of our guys, but do not refuse criticism either. Tell us about the aspects of the game of our pupils, which, in your opinion, should be improved?

- Criticism is the specific basic requirements that have been, are and will be in our team. It is very difficult for young players to integrate into the notion that youth football is over, and playing at a professional level are two different things. It is necessary to accept all the requirements that modern football puts before us today and now. Adapting to new ideas and stressful situations is something that is comfortable in the regime, it is impossible to develop at a serious level. Namely, you need to sacrifice more yourself in your daily work, take care of your body, weight, nutrition, recovery and other important components of professional growth.

 

- The UEFA Youth League has been postponed to the next year. What are your thoughts on this? How will this affect the Under-19 team in a fight on, shall we say, two fronts?

- International matches, and specifically the format of the UEFA Youth League, is a very serious level that requires colossal knowledge and capabilities. Games in this tournament show the real picture of what level we are at and where we need to move. We have a definite and very good experience. Unfortunately, the pandemic prevented play this year, we will try to adapt next year with games on two fronts. In conclusion, I would like to thank all those people who serve, participate and organize the National Division, divisions A, B, and youth championships in Moldovan football every day during this difficult time of the pandemic. May God grant you all health.

 

FC "Sheriff" press service