The former forward of Poltava’s “Vorskla” Ivan Shariy — on the matches of the 3rd round of the Ukrainian Championship, which took place last weekend.
Ivan Shariy
— In the reporting round, both our giants won together: “Dynamo” defeated “Epicenter” away, while “Shakhtar” won against “Veres” in Rivne. Do these results have any particular significance?
— The debutants from Kaments-Podilskyi fought until they conceded a goal, and when they let in one, then another, and then a third, the outcome of the match was no longer in doubt. It’s clear that “Dynamo” was significantly stronger than “Epicenter” that day.
The Rivne team resisted for some time, but “Shakhtar” is nevertheless currently the stronger opponent, which is why they won 2:0.
— Perhaps I won’t be mistaken if I assume that the most spectacular and interesting match of the tour was “Zarya” — “Kryvbas,” in which Kryvyi Rih won 3:2…
— Yes, that’s absolutely correct. This match was very interesting. You could even say very, very. There were attacks from both sides, five goals scored. It was enjoyable to watch the game of both teams, and I’m sure the spectators were delighted. “Zarya” could have equalized, but failed to capitalize on several favorable opportunities. We need more games like this in our championship.
— One of the surprises occurred in the match “Polissya” — LNZ. The Zhytomyr team lost again, just like in the previous round against “Kolos,” at home. How would you explain the defeat of Ruslan Rotan’s team?
— LNZ is a good team, no worse than “Polissya.” Are there great footballers in “Polissya”? No. They are the same as those in LNZ. The Cherkasy team has guys who know how to play football. Including legionnaires, and quite good ones at that. They came to play in Zhytomyr focused and fought hard against the opponent. And they won.
I see nothing surprising, let alone sensational, in this result. Considering two home losses in a row, it turns out that “Polissya” plays better away than at home. So now we will wait and see, maybe the Zhytomyr team will win next round away.
— Many see the reason for “Polissya’s” failures in the fact that the team plays on two fronts — in the national championship and in the European Cups…
— I don’t understand how this topic can be taken into account when “Polissya” aimed to enter the European Cup competition last season and finally achieved that? It turns out that when they play on two fronts, it’s bad. And when they play on one, it’s also bad — give them two! European clubs from various championships play three days after the fourth and even two days after the third — and nobody complains. Moreover, they play for years, and some even for decades.
For example, in the working schedule of EPL clubs, in addition to matches in the Champions League, there are also league matches, national Cup, and League Cup matches. And nothing, it’s all taken for granted. So if it’s burdensome to play in the Conference League, then focus only on the championship. Therefore, I believe that when the reasons for performances on two fronts are cited as an excuse for defeats, then all this is — excuses.
Yes, I agree, perhaps considering logistics makes it difficult to play. But the footballers of “Polissya” are professionals who earn solid money for their work. It’s not like they play football, and they are forced to play hockey. So I don’t see any real problem in the fact that “Polissya” lost to LNZ. They lost last round — they will lose to someone else later.
This is football — and all kinds of things happen in it, including defeats. If a team earns the right to play in the European Cups, then it must be aware of all the factors associated with this. And there’s no need to cry. They chose this profession — it means they must perform this job conscientiously and devote themselves fully to it. Especially since there are not just eleven players in “Polissya,” but more than twice that number.
— The result of the match in Alexandria was also a surprise, where the “city team” lost 1:4 to “Metalist 1925.” What, in your opinion, is happening with “Alexandria,” which is losing match after match?
— If we compare with last season, a number of qualified performers have left the team, and the coaching staff has also changed. And still, there are people in “Alexandria” who can do something. However, despite this, they are not gaining points in the championship. I don’t even know what’s happening in the team. Perhaps the club has run out of money, and as in “Vorskla,” they are not being paid. Although I don’t think that’s the case. It seems everything is fine in “Alexandria” regarding that. So I see nothing unexpected in the result of the match.
“Metalist 1925” is a good team. Over the summer, they strengthened their squad with qualified performers who know how to play football. I believe that “Alexandria” finally needs to gather themselves and let go of the “stardom” of last season, which allowed them to win silver. They need to realize that this is now a completely different championship, with different people. And they need to endure a bit, play through the “can’t anymore,” fight, and prove their professional suitability. Especially since there are normal footballers in the Alexandrian team.
However, they exist in every team. Take “Kudrivka” as an example. They already have six points — quite good for a debutant. So in this case, I advise the Alexandrians to take every game and opponent more seriously. Summarizing the events of the match, I can say that “Metalist 1925” was stronger. It’s how it goes in the game: you need to get lucky. Because there is no football without luck. If you have it and you play normally, success will undoubtedly be on your side. I wish “Alexandria” to draw certain conclusions and start earning points.
— “Obolon” pleasantly surprised at the start of the championship, already gaining seven points and sharing places 2−5 in the standings. The last round was successful for them, as they managed to win against “Rukh” away — 2:1…
— “Obolon” has always been a team that is not very pleasant for opponents. I would call them a team of real men. The “brewers” fight for every inch of the field, until the end. They always demonstrate tenacity and fighting qualities against any team. That’s why they achieved the results that allowed them to gain seven points. If the Kyiv footballers continue to fight and struggle like this, they may find themselves in the six or five. So the win of “Obolon” against “Rukh” is quite natural.
— What can you say about “Kolos,” which also shows tenacity in its game? This was particularly evident in the match against “Karpaty,” which ended in a 1:1 draw.
— “Kolos,” since the middle of the second round of last season, as well as at the beginning of this one, looks like a very decent team. Kovalevtsi play good football, with a solid selection of players. Everything in their game is well organized, and they operate at speed. This team has already been playing in the Premier League for more than one season, so their tournament results are quite logical.
Upon returning to the coaching helm in spring, Ruslan Kostyshyn was able to inspire them during the heat of the last championship. After his arrival, Kovalevtsi seemed to have shed a burden, feeling a sense of freedom. Consequently, playing football became significantly easier for them. It’s obvious that they are enjoying it. “Kolos” is a unique and very good team.
— In one of the matches of the tour, one debutant of the elite, “Kudrivka,” beat another — “Poltava” — 3:1. What do you say about this match?
— I did not see anything particularly interesting in this game. I don’t even know how to interpret the first penalty awarded against “Poltava”: whether it should be given or not. The referee decided to award it — and did. If we talk about the game overall, then “Kudrivka” somewhat outperformed “Poltava,” which determined the final result. The footballers from Chernihiv looked more interesting in this match.
Vyacheslav Kulchytskyi
