Dnipro-1 striker Oleksandr Filippov told UPL TV about the first part of the season for his team.
Oleksandr Filippov (photo: scdnipro1.com.ua)- Given the position in the standings at which we went into the break, I think this is a good result. But there is always room for improvement and something to strive for. We finished the first round on a good note. Although in the final two rounds we lost to Vorskla and drew. But before that, we had a considerable winning streak. The main thing now is to prepare well for the second round.
- What did Yurii Maksymov change first of all, as your results have changed dramatically since he arrived?
- I wouldn't say that he changed anything dramatically. He came knowing the level of the players. First of all, it was important to fix the psychology, because we had a poor start to the season, we had a hard time getting into the season and showed mediocre results. He asked us to act a little more aggressively and closer to the opponent's goal, to cover more and interact more. He said that we have class, but we need to play a little more calmly, but not give up the football we know how to play. I think that after the first win, even if it was not a very good game, we gained confidence and for the next 8-10 games we played meaningful football and got good results.
- How can you describe the football your team is trying to play under Yuriy Maksymov?
- We try to play more with the ball, because we have quite skilled players with a high football IQ and good technique. We have to press more and create as many chances as possible, rather than minimise the opportunities for our opponents to create them. That is, we rely on ball control, fast flanks and positional attacks.
- What element of the game still needs to be improved?
- There is no single element. I think we need to improve everything a little bit. The start of the attack, control of the ball, the final stage, counter-pressing, and getting the ball back as quickly as possible. There will be time at the winter training camp to improve all the elements.
