Yaroslav Protsenko: "I am glad to have been entrusted a place in the squad"

The goalkeeper of "Metalist 1925" Yaroslav Protsenko summed up after the draw match with "Epicenter" and shared his impressions after the first match in UPL this season:

— There is information that Mladen Bartulovich made a rotation in the goalkeeper position literally a few hours before the match. Is it true?

— I cannot definitively say when exactly the coaching staff decided on this. In any case, I am always ready.

— When did you find out that you would be playing today?

— I found out yesterday evening, after dinner. But the previous conversation about this was even before the previous match, so, let's say, I was ready.

— What was your reaction? You haven't been on the field for a long time.

— Of course, I am glad that I was trusted a place in the lineup. Finally, they trusted me. But overall — calmly. This is a game, we train for this. There was no excitement or excessive nervousness. I go out and do my job. It's a pity we couldn't keep a clean sheet, but that's history.

— How did the coaching staff prepare you for this match? Was there any special tuning?

— Communication with the goalkeeper coach and the staff is ongoing, everything as usual. Nothing special was highlighted, no new accents. We always have work, and I did it along with everyone else.

— It's clear that this appearance emotionally lifted you.

— Yes, of course. It's nice to come back, especially since last year I didn't play in UPL at all. Yes, it's the end of the season, but UPL is a completely different level compared to the First or Second League. There are different emotions here. I am really happy.

— The conceded goal: how did you see it?

— After Valera went for a tackle, I saw that he wouldn't make it, and started to return to position, waiting — will there be a shot or an attempt to dribble. When the opponent started to control the ball, I closed the distance. But maybe I took the position slightly wrong or opened up too early. We will need to review the episode. By feelings — I could have played better.

— How difficult was the match against "Epicenter"?

— The second half was difficult in terms of emotions and concentration. There were many pauses — injuries, stoppages, different episodes. Plus the weather, temperature — this also had an impact. The hardest part was to stay focused.

— Are you looking forward to the final match of the championship?

— I always look forward to it. It doesn't matter — the first match of the season, the middle, or the end, a cup match. I am always ready to play and always happy to take the field.