Football club “Krasnodar” reached the final of the Way of Regions of the Cup of Russia. In a dramatic home game, the “bulls” defeated the “Wings of the Soviets” in a penalty shootout. In regulation time, Krasnodar led 2-0, had a numerical majority, but conceded goals in the 3rd and 5th minutes of overtime. But on penalties, the blacks and greens won 3-0.
After the match, the team’s coaches took part in a press conference.
- I have a feeling that we lost this game, – admitted the head coach of “Krasnodar” Vladimir Ivic. – It is clear that we have a lot of young players, but we have to be smart and know how we want to play. First, we play for the result – reaching the next stage. We were leading 2-0 and we had an extra player. After the 90th minute, in such a situation, conceding 2 goals is simply not serious. I am the coach of this team and I start first with myself. I didn’t do the job well. Maybe didn’t make the right replacements, didn’t do anything to prevent this from happening.
The Serbian specialist said that the elimination of the opponent in the 47th minute of the game had a negative impact on his team.
- I’m sure we played better when it was 11v11. We were the better team from the start, we had more ball possession, we were creating chances. But after the first goal and the elimination of the opponent, we had the impression of having stopped running. Everyone thought someone else would do the work for them. It’s the worst thing in football. We are a professional football club. And we want to win games like the other teams. We’re not here just to play, are we? When you see an opponent, you want to play. And win.
Vladimir Ivic noted that young footballers have to work hard on themselves.
- For young players, and we have a lot of them, it is especially important to reflect after each match, to analyze the game, to review the videos. This is the first step to getting better. It’s not just: “I’m the best here, I should be at the base, and why am I not playing?” If you are 19-20 years old and have these thoughts in your mind, then you are on the wrong track in your attempts to become a professional footballer.
Krasnodar’s mentor didn’t share details of what he told the team in the dressing room immediately after the game.
- What I said in the locker room, he will stay there, – summed up the coach.
- Before the game, we had a lot of injuries, we made a significant rotation of the squad, – said the coach of the “Wings of the Soviets” Igor Osinkin. – The first half didn’t work out. In the second, we played in the minority, I don’t know why our player was sent off… They dragged the game, transferred it to penalties. Then it was the lottery.
He explained what could be the reason for all the missed penalties.
- If I knew what happened… I guess after such an end, when we scored 2 goals in the last minutes, our players burst emotionally and they didn’t have enough concentration on shots on goal. I think it was important in this situation to score the first shot. Plus it would be easier. But we are only guessing. As it would be in reality, no one knows.
Krasnodar will also play the last game of the Path of Regions at home. The rival will be Akron Togliatti, playing in the Premier League. The match will take place on one of the dates from May 2 to 4. The exact day of the match will be announced later.
The Bulls will play the next game in Moscow on April 24 against Spartak in the RPL.
Get the latest news today on The Eastern Herald.
