Yevhen Nazarov: "I am glad that today the quality of the game has turned into points earned"

Senior coach of "Metalist 1925" U-19 Evgen Nazarov shared his impressions after the victorious match against "Karpaty" U-19 (3:2):

— Congratulations on the victory! What can you say about the game?

— Thank you for the congratulations. First of all, I was pleased that the players were actually playing football today, not just running, fighting, or pushing each other. They often met the ball, played combinations. Even though we conceded two goals, I can say that the team looked good. Of course, there were some shortcomings in defense, but we still believed in success and continued to play. There were approaches to the goal that resulted in scored goals. There were also opportunities that we just didn't capitalize on. Of course, I would like us to play at this pace for the full 90 minutes, not just 80, because we slowed down a bit towards the end. But perhaps it's more psychology when the opponent wanted to play back. That's why in the last 10 minutes, we had to play more defensively.

— Being 0:2 down, the team managed to score twice at the end of the first half. How did this change the course of the game?

— In general, the game was going in the same direction as it started. We controlled the ball, played combinations, approached the goal, and created chances. Of course, it was pleasing that this also resulted in goals in the first half. Because we understand: if things had continued the same way and we started the second half losing, it would have been much harder. So overall, we are satisfied with both the result and the game.

— In your opinion, how did you manage to press the opponent in the second half and score the third goal?

— There was no panic today. We played calmly and confidently. As I mentioned before, it was all about the "momentum," as they say. Thanks to this, we succeeded. There was thought, there was understanding of how to act on the field.

— How important was it to finally win after a series of winless matches?

— We always want to win and never settle for just a draw. I always say that young footballers are here to learn how to play football. So I am happy that today the quality of the game translated into points earned.