The Ukrainian striker of the Belgian Saint-Truiden Oleksandr Filippov, who is currently on loan at Riga, spoke about the success of his team in the 1st qualifying round of the Conference League with the Dutch Derry City (2:0, 2:0) , and also spoke about plans for the season. Recall that in the first match against Derry City, Filippov became the hero of the meeting, recording a goal and an assist.
Alexander Filippov— Like an emotionand from matches against Derry City. Are you satisfied that you have gone further after two wins with a score of 2:0?
- Emotions are positive, because, thanks to two victories, we have qualified for the next round of the Conference League. Derry is a good team, but we have shown that we are stronger.
- In the first match, you scored a goal and an assist - your first effective actions in European competitions. Satisfied with your game?
- First of all, I am pleased with the team, our victories and progress, and only then I am pleased that I was able to help the team with my actions. This is my first performance in European competitions, and I believe that this is just the beginning.
- Your next opponent is the Slovak Ružomberok. Are you ready for it already? What can you say about this team?
- Before the game with Ružomberok, we play a match in the Latvian championship, so for now all thoughts are about this meeting, and only after it we will think about the Conference League. Therefore, I can’t say anything specific about this team yet.
— Tell us about the Latvian championship. How are you doing there? You go third. What are the challenges facing Riga?
— There are 10 teams in the championship. Of these, 4-5 are of a fairly good level. The rest give in, but due to desire and struggle, they try to level these shortcomings.
Our tasks are the highest. This is the first place in the championship. Now we are nine points behind the first position, but there is still time to fix everything. Unfortunately, our team immediately flew out of the National Cup, so now we are only thinking about the championship and the Conference League.
— There are Ukrainians in Riga — Vakulko and Yurchenko. Who else do you keep in touch with?
- We mainly communicate with Latvian guys, but we also get along with legionnaires without any problems. We have a fairly friendly team, so everyone feels comfortable here.
— How do you like the team in general? Do you feel good in it?
— As I said, we have a good team. There are all conditions for work. Of course, there are moments that I want to improve, but the main thing is that my family and I feel comfortable in the team, in the city, and in the country.
— How much is your rent? St. Truiden has no plans to bring you back?
- I have a lease until the end of the season (The Latvian championship is played according to the "spring - autumn" system - ed.), and, probably, closer to this time I will know what to do next. I will have to return to Belgium, but Riga has the opportunity to redeem me. Let's see how everything happens.
Dmitry Kotkov
