Oleksandr Martyniuk: "It will be a very interesting game"

Defender of "Metalist 1925" Oleksandr Martinyuk commented on the upcoming match with "Polissya", identified the opponent's strengths, pressure at the end of the championship, and the factor of home fans:

— What do you expect from the game with "Polissya"? More fighting or tactics?

— No, I think it will be more of a tactical game, not like the game with "LNZ". I think both we and our opponent will use tactical schemes, break the defense. I think it will be a very interesting game.

— But in the first round, there was a goalless draw. What needs to change now to have a different result?

— I think, first of all, we need to convert our chances - then there will be goals. Yes, the previous game was a draw, but it was a very interesting match. It was interesting to watch good football, tactical, so I think this game will be even more interesting.

— How has the opponent changed during this time? And overall, what are the strengths of "Polissya" now?

— The opponent has certainly strengthened during this transfer window. But they were playing quite well already, I think the game will be quite good now as well. They have further strengthened, played more together. Therefore, I think it will be a tough game, but interesting.

— What helps to maintain concentration now, when every point is crucial?

— To go out for every game and try to fight for every moment, every piece of the field, win every battle.

— Is there any psychological pressure, considering that it is now the final stretch of the championship, and the tasks, desires are not yet fulfilled?

— Of course, there is some pressure, but when you step onto the field, you have to prove, show good game, convert every chance, and be one team.

— Matches in Zhytomyr are home games, but practically we understand that it will be a home game for "Polissya". Does this matter?

— Yes, of course, this matters quite a lot. Because they will have more of their fans than ours. Because, unfortunately, we cannot play in Kharkiv, but still there will be support. It's very cool when many people come, support the teams, as it adds adrenaline on the field.

— When there are not many of our fans even in the stadium, do you hear them during the match?

— Yes, of course, you can hear them quite well. They are great, they come to every game, support us, thank you very much.