Ivan Kalyuzhny: "I think I am in optimal shape"

The captain of "Metalist 1925" Ivan Kalyuzhny assessed the match against "Rukh" and shared expectations for the September matches of the Ukrainian national team:

— Ivan, congratulations on the victory! Congratulations to you! You and the coaching staff must be in a good mood. Did everything go well today?

— Thank you for the congratulations. Yes, the game went well, but the second half was a bit nervous. There are still things to work on. We need to come out of defense as confidently as we did in the first half, not just give the ball to the opponent, because it's harder to play without the ball. But it's good that we achieved a positive result. We are happy and will keep moving forward.

— Did you give away the ball more in the second half due to fatigue? Did you want to catch your breath a bit, and "Rukh" could take advantage of this break and started creating chances near your goal.

— Yes, that's exactly what I'm talking about. We shouldn't let the opponent create chances, especially when the game is going well. We need to run more, score goals. We lost a bit of initiative and could have paid for it, but everything turned out well.

— Next week is an international break. Kharkiv players are in good form: a victory in the Cup, several wins in the championship. Is it disappointing that the break is coming? Or is it worth taking a breather after all?

— I think the guys really need to rest a bit now and prepare for the next opponent.

— The club emphasized the importance of having the first player called up directly from the team. You are going to the national team. How do you adjust from club football to the international level?

— Tomorrow we are gathering and preparing for two important matches. We will work hard to achieve a positive result.

— How do you mentally prepare? Do you live for these matches with the Ukrainian national team?

— Of course. I always try to give my best and work hard both in the championship and on the international stage.

— Ahead is a match against the French national team. Are you looking at it with caution? They are a very serious opponent with a strong lineup. What level of responsibility do you feel?

— Of course, they are a top national team. But I hope that we will also show a good game and fight for a positive result.

— And finally: in what form are you approaching these important matches?

— It's already been five matches this season. I think I am in optimal form.