The match was great, both in terms of its intensity and the atmosphere. Marcel Lička created a strong team, although in my opinion we played better and deserved to win. Everything is fair, now we’ll be getting ready for the next matches.
Rodrigão came on at the end of the match. In the first half of the season he was part of the starting XI when he returned after the injury. Is he not fully ready fitness-wise, or is he losing the competition to his teammates?
His fitness level seems to be lower than the players’ who come on the pitch now. The same goes for Nuraly Alip, they are our first team players. As of today the duo of Nino and Eraković feels more productive, that’s why they are in the starting XI.
You haven’t changed the starting team in three matches. Would it be correct to say that you’ve made the decision on the squad, or is there another reason for this?
The reason is the current condition of the players. Those who play better at the moment come on the pitch. There are some nuances, for example we have Ilzat Akhmetov and Aleksandr Kovalenko who could have played today. Although you have to consider the condition of the pitches as well, therefore we choose the players who are able to help the team right now.
We’re lacking 10 players and we need everyone. The fixtures are looking tight for April, so there will be an opportunity for each footballer to show what they’re capable of. Then those who win the competition within the team will get the playing time. This is sports, and unfortunately you can’t make up the rules here. The players who come on the pitch now are better than those who don’t get a place in the starting team. The condition of the players tends to fluctuate. Some are more consistent with their fitness levels, some started well but became a bit weaker over time, and certain players will be improving their condition now. We need everyone, as there are still enough matches ahead.
