Vorskla goalkeeper Dmitry Riznyk summed up the winning match of the Conference League against the Swedish AIK (3:2), spoke about the support of the fans in Stockholm and the first impressions of cooperation with the new head coach of the team Viktor Skripnik.
Dmitry Riznyk (photo: footboom.com)— Dmitry, didn’t the result of the match in Sweden surprise you and your team, where you, together with your opponent, scored two five goals, and Vorskla won with a score of 3:2?
- Of course, it was difficult to predict how our first match with AIK would develop, because we had not held official meetings for a very long time, so we did not fully understand what level of readiness we were at and what state we were in for this match. But we were faced with the task of preparing as efficiently as possible for the start in European competitions. We worked hard, and in the end we were rewarded for our work with such a result that turned out to be victorious for our team.
— What was Viktor Skrypnyk’s mindset for the first game in Sweden?
- The task was clear and understandable: we had to fight for each other, we also understood that in such difficult times for the country we should strive to win in order to bring positive emotions to Ukrainians. By the way, there were our fans in the stands of the stadium in Sweden. We heard them, felt them, so we are also grateful to them for their support.
- At what moment did you feel that you could even beat AIK on its field?
- From the first minutes, especially since we took the lead already in the fourth minute of the game. Throughout the match, we felt that we could win and were not afraid of the opponent. Thanks to the team game, dedication, we managed to snatch the victory.
- AIK played weaker than you expected?
- I wouldn't say. The Swedes have a powerful team. We studied it. I don't think we saw any big surprises from them. The opponent acted as we expected.
- AIK fired effective shots at your goal twice. Were there any chances to save the team in these moments?
— These were playful moments. I think that we lost game discipline and conceded. In my opinion, this can also be explained by the fact that we have not played at this level for a long time, we overlooked the opponents a little, positioned ourselves incorrectly and conceded.
- Is the third winning goal a masterpiece from Chelyadin?
- I think yes, everyone was shocked by his "shot". It's great that at such a crucial moment he took the initiative and scored such a beautiful goal.
- Will you be favorites in the return match with the Swedes?
- Although the score of the first match is in our favor, we still do not forget that we are playing the second game on the opponent's field. I can't say who will win. Therefore, the return match will be even harder, because the opponent has nothing to lose. Our main task is to go further after two matches.
- In your opinion, how ready is Vorskla for the upcoming season?
- So far, it is impossible to evaluate this way by one game. Hard to say. Now all thoughts are about the return match with AIK, after which we will already talk about the upcoming readiness for the season.
- Vorskla has a new head coach - Viktor Skripnik. Already found a contact with a mentor?
— We are in this process. But we immediately felt and knew before that that Viktor Skrypnyk is a highly qualified specialist, like all of our new coaching staff. Now our main task is to understand the football that the head coach instills in us as soon as possible.
