Head coach of the Under-19 team of FC Sheriff about the match with Serbian Crvena Zvezda:

 

- Despite the result of today's match, we will continue to work hard. The mood remains fighting. Tomorrow we need to train again and work hard.

 

- You were close to victory. What hindered?

- What hindered? A very strong opponent, the second - we do not have much experience in such games. Thirdly, it is a lottery.

 

- When talking about the experience, do you mean the excitement of the boys when they shot a penalty?

- We must understand with whom we played. It was difficult to. The level is different. This team was at a training camp in the Emirates, in Italy, played with serious rivals. I am not looking for excuses, but this is a different level. You play as your opponent allows you, and vice versa. Today, the opponent did not allow us to play. If you look at the statistics, then this team scored in each game. Look in which group they played. They could not score us. This was our task - not to miss.

 

- As for the substitution of the goalkeeper, was it a spontaneous decision?

- We have both goalkeepers of a very good level. In the game, Mikhail Choban showed it. Alexei Samoilenko of the same class, and in training it was clear that he looked better in the penalty shootout. The decision was primarily such - if we get to the penalty shootout we will change the goalkeeper.

 

- Do you think the penalty shootout is a lottery, luck on the side of the strongest? What is this for you?

- I believe in regularity. If they won a penalty today, then they are better. They won today. We have to accept it. If this is not done, we will not be able to develop further. Even such a defeat must be accepted and move on, develop. Youth football is a long and long road to great football. If they won today, they were better.

 

- Now your team does not hear anything. Perhaps your words will reach them in a couple of days when they cool after this game. What can you tell them?

- 10 minutes ago, I told them in the dressing room that I’m grateful to them for the journey that we went through (and it was long, lasted a year and a half), I will remember this courage that they showed for a year and a half. I love each of them, I adore each, and for them I will go under the tank, if necessary. This is our team, and we will always support each other.

 

- Today, a large number of spectators have come. They sat, got warm as could, did not go home. Of course, they were waiting for victory. What can you say the spectators?

- We have and always had the number one motivation so that people go to the stadium. At the set, at each theoretical lesson, we are talking about this. We attract spectators with our good game, struggle on the football field and dedication. I am grateful to the city and to all who were in the stands today. I apologize for not being able to win. The way they cheered us, including the matches with the Norwegians and Albanians, deserves more. I am grateful to them and will remember this all my life. Thank you very much.

FC Sheriff Press Office