Roman Salenko: “Anatoliyovych helped a little…”

Midfielder “DynamoRoman Salenko, who transferred on loan to “Zorya”, shared his impressions from his debut game in the team from Luhansk.

Roman Salenko (right; photo: fczorya.com)

— I am very happy and grateful for the trust from the coach. I don’t know, I came and showed my desire. It’s very pleasant. At first, I didn’t quite get into the game, but after the air raid alert, I somehow felt confident and it went well.

What are your impressions of the game overall?

— We could have scored. We kept the ball. At some moments, we dropped a bit. There is still room for growth — many new players in the team. And as we play more, we will only become stronger.

In the first half, “Zorya” didn’t have many chances. Why weren’t you able to create opportunities?

— I think we were studying the opponent. It didn’t go right away.

You mentioned that you felt more confident after the air raid alert. Did the nervousness disappear or were there instructions from the head coach?

— This is my first game, especially in the UPL — where the result is important. Yes, Anatoliyovych (Victor Skrypnyk — ed.) helped a bit, we talked. I exhaled and went out with a cool head.

Did you really want to score in your first match? Were thoughts about scoring in your debut game constantly on your mind?

— Of course, in every game you want to score, honestly.

Today in the stands was your father Oleg Salenko. Did you talk to him after the game?

— Not yet. Dad participates as a fan — he is the head coach. We communicate, of course, but as a father and son.

Did head coach Victor Skrypnyk say anything to you after the game? Did he evaluate your performance?

— Not much. I think he will mainly communicate in the first training sessions, and we will prepare for another opponent, looking at our mistakes in this game.

Anton Hreskyv