Artem Smolyakov: "How to counter Andrade? I played against James"

Defender of "Kharkiv" Artem Smoliakov exclusively for Sport.ua gave a comment after the game with "Polissya" (1:3).

– You played against "Polissya". How important was it for you to show yourself today?

– It was important to play well in every game, not just against "Polissya". I am glad to be back here, there are many familiar football players here, I was warmly welcomed. But now I am with a different team.

– Everything was great for you in the USA. Why did you come back?

– In the first season, yes, everything was great, especially in the second part, I was constantly in the lineup and played in every match. The head coach, at that time Steve Cherundolo, said he saw a future player in me. But before the start of the season, he said he was leaving and a new head coach would take over. With the arrival of the new coach, it became clear after some time that I did not fit into his playing style, so I had to look for a new club.

– How is your adaptation to the new team going?

– There won't be any problems because I know everything here, I am already used to the time zone. Today's game was not very successful, but we need to digest it, analyze our mistakes, and move on. It's only the beginning of the season.

– How was it playing against Leandro Andrade?

– Like playing against any other opponent. I have played against different opponents, for example, against James Rodriguez. My task is not to let them create anything on the field.

Artem Smoliakov has secured his place in "Kharkiv" since the first round of the UPL, and today he started for the first time.