Lokomotiv Novosibirsk – team
– Andrey, I congratulate you on an easy victory over Belogorie. Share your impressions of the game.
– In general, I am satisfied with the result of the game, but there are parts of the game that I’m not satisfied with. We must work. Ahead of us with is a home game against Iskra Odintsovo and then the match with Gazprom-Ugra on the road. If we win these games it can give us the necessary confidence.
– How did you recover from the loss against Zenit in the last round? Were the players ready for this game?
– Naturally, we were all nervous before the match with Zenit, we gave them a battle, but failed to put win. How did we come out of this situation? We talked about it and decided to forget about this match as quickly as possible as we had a very important match against Belgorod. We focused on the preparation for it, and it gave us confidence. The score does not matter, this is our first victory, and that itself was important.
– Did you have to reassure the players in the tie break, or were they sure of themselves?
– Yes, the boys were confident. We played as a team. Some of the guys needed a rest at the moment, but in the end they gave their best.
– How do you evaluate your opponent?
– Of course, they are one of the leaders of our championship. It’s a difficult time for Belogorie now. After the Olympics, a lot of their players are not in the best shape, and it shows. However the match was equal, and it says that their team has great potential.
– Your team also suffered significant changes.
– Our situation is about the same – yes, we too are in the development stage.
– With some luck, when will this phase be overcome?
– It’s difficult to say, but I can assure you that we are actively working to establish interaction between players as soon as possible.
– It is hard to start the season with two away games against Zenit and Belogorie?
– It is hard. The first match was very special, not only because of the fact that it took place on the road against Zenit, but it was also the Supercup. We were ready for this and knew that it will be very hard. That is why it stung after that humiliating defeat. But we continue. Iskra match will also be difficult because it is a very serious contender. Their team has been enhanced. However, we work, we try prepare. We’ll see what comes of it.
– You’ve already seen in action the new player, Marcus Nilsson. Are you happy with it? What would you say about his game?
– He adds quality, and this was evident in the match against Belgorod. I think he has great potential, he can develop further in the club.
– Last season he spent in a modest Polish club Fart. Did this affect his level?
– It’s too early to talk about it, because we played only two matches. We will judge this over time. In any case, Marcus was in the strongest championship in the world. It all depends on his desire for self-actualization in a better league, to manifest himself among the strongest opponents. He has that opportunity.
– Outside hitter Lukas Divis is not a new player, but still, what do you say about his current readiness?
– At the moment the team is in the process of growing. It’s too early to say anything specific. I’m sure that Lukas will add to his quality during the season.
– Tuomas Sammelvuo will only help the club in the Champions League, and in order to keep him in shape, he will be in your second team, right?
– Yes, it is. This is a hard-working guy who selflessly gives himself to work. And in his case it does not matter if his training or playing an official game. This is his power – to give himself without reserve in every match.
– Will he be training with the rest of the team before the start of the Champions League?
– We’ll see. Naturally, the guys have to work together.
– Your next opponent will be Iskra Odnitsovo. Their composition also had some changes in the offseason. What to expect from this match?
– Definitely, it will be a very difficult match. We are preparing for it. However, in this case, it is important to train yourself to win.
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