Mladen Bartulovich: "I want to dedicate this victory to Andriy Viktorovych Polunin"

The head coach of "Metalist 1925" Mladen Bartulovich answered questions from Lviv journalists after an emotional victory over "Karpaty". The coach commented on the team's game, dedicated the result to the memory of chief scout Andriy Polunin, and evaluated the actions of captain Ivan Kalyuzhny:

— Mladen, today was a very emotional match. The players were fully charged from the first minutes. Is there anyone you want to dedicate this victory to?

— Yes. Firstly, I want to dedicate this victory to Andriy Viktorovych Polunin. It was very important for us. And it's no coincidence that Denis Antyuk scored two goals - he was his student, he raised him in Okhirtsi. I want to dedicate this victory to his memory. He also delighted us here in Lviv with his games and goals. And regarding the match - I thank my guys for such dedication and for such a good game, in my opinion. This is a well-deserved victory.

— You often emphasize the role of the captain in the team. How do you assess Ivan Kalyuzhny's unsportsmanlike actions today, on and off the field?

— What unsportsmanlike actions? Is it normal when fans shout, throw snowballs at our bench, at our players? What do you want? Should I say that Kalyuzhny is simulating? Tanda doesn't simulate? It's the same. Kalyuzhny does everything for the team to win. Do you understand? He plays for the Ukrainian national team. He is a very good player and played very well today.

— You have a kind of streak against the Lupashka team. When you coached "Zorya", you won twice, today - another victory. Is this a significant opponent?

— Firstly, I have no personal score with Vladyslav. He coaches "Karpaty", the team plays well, tries to play attacking football. I prepare my team the same way as for any other opponent. We tune in. I always enjoy playing in Lviv at the "Ukraine" stadium. When the fans come - this aura... I remember when I played here. I like playing here.