Former striker of the Poltava "Vorskla" Sergei Chuichenko in an interview "TEAM1" shared his impressions of the first match of his former team with the Swedish AIK (3:2) in the 2nd qualifying round of the Conference League, which took place last Thursday in Stockholm.
- To be honest, I thought that it would be very good for Poltava residents if the match ended in a scoring draw, Sergey Chuichenko says. — The nominal hosts pleasantly surprised, first of all, with inventive actions in the attack, and although in several moments Vorskla had luck at their gates, I still think that the Ukrainian team played enough for victory.
- This was the first official game of Vorskla this year and immediately under the guidance of the new mentor Viktor Skripnik. I remember that in his previous team, Zorya, he effectively used the formation of the game with the so-called "rhombus" in the middle of the field. And in the actions of Poltava residents in Stockholm, did you notice any homework of this specialist?
- A detailed analysis of the game "Vorskla" is yet to come, however, it is important that the Poltava team were imprisoned to sharply attack, there was not even a question of keeping the score. Naturally, this could not but impress.
- By the way, Vorskla did not include two key performers at once - Vladimir Chesnakov and Alexander Sklyar. In your opinion, was their absence felt?
- I think yes. After all, Chesnakov is distinguished by strict actions in the center of defense, and Sklyar never spares himself in the support zone. The players who replaced them were not without sin. That is why it will be very good if Vladimir and Alexander return to action in the second leg.
- And although they say that the winners are not judged, nevertheless, what did you not like about the actions of the Poltava residents?
- There was a lack of reliability in defense. It's good that our goalkeeper Dmitry Riznyk was at his best in several moments. I am convinced that Viktor Skrypnyk, who at one time was an excellent defender, will tell his new charges how to act when securing.
- Did AIK remember something?
- The desire to carry out high-speed attacks at the slightest opportunity. The Poltava team must take this into account when preparing for the second leg, because the Swedes will try to correct their aim. Another thing is that AIK football players did not always have time to return to defense, and they had problems with game discipline. This is what our guys need to try to take advantage of.
Football players "Vorskla" did only half the battle. I am convinced that the return match will be more difficult for them. I do not think that yesterday the Swedish team underestimated the Poltava team and therefore lost, but I am convinced that every mistake will be analyzed, especially at their own goal. That is why, first of all, it is important for Poltava residents to properly recover, I wish that their infirmary is empty, and Viktor Skrypnyk in a week will fully use his unrealized reserves. Yesterday's victory should give Vorskla confidence and inspiration, and the Poltava team should make every effort to go further.
Vasily MIKHAILOV