Danylo Varakuta: "We could have won this game in the end"

The goalkeeper of "Metalist 1925" Danylo Varakuta - about a draw with "LNZ" and the predictability of the result in the match:

— The teams did not determine the winner today, but it can be said that today's game, perhaps, gave "Metalist 1925" a chance to rehabilitate a bit after the cup match.

— I think so. We approached this game with a great attitude. The weather conditions were difficult, to be honest, it was not easy to play. Of course, this should not be an excuse, but it was difficult to play. "LNZ" is a straightforward team, with a lot of passes behind the defense. It was important to stay focused in those moments. Moreover, this game made us stronger - that's for sure.

— Your head coach was here not so long ago, and he said that he was trying to mentally prepare you. Earlier it was said that you had a day off after the cup game. Was it more about physical rest or mental recovery from what happened then?

— No, of course, it was more psychological, because it was hard for the whole team, it hurt somewhere after the game, but this is football. We have already forgotten that game, we have tasks in the Ukrainian championship. We move on.

— I wanted to ask about the goal conceded from the "LNZ" player. Did you expect him to score with a header?

— Well, of course, yes. There was a cross, there was a battle in the air. It was more disappointing that the player scored with a header. Moreover, the cross was quite strong, he executed the moment well. We were a bit unlucky, but that's football. It's good that we scored and finished the match with such a result.

— The game ended in a draw, but still, from your perspective as a goalkeeper, who was closer to winning today?

— We had more possession. Yes, they had dangerous moments, set pieces in the first half. In the second half, there was a difficult shot. But we could have won this game in the end. Palamarchuk saved his team brilliantly. So, a draw, in principle, is more or less predictable.

— The next game for the team is with another leader of the championship, "Polissya". What, in your opinion, should everyone take away from today's game in order to win the next game after all?

— We should maintain confidence. The style of play will be different, but the main thing is the team's desire, the mood for this game, aggressiveness. Everything else is just details.