The head coach of Zhytomyr’s “Polissia”, Ruslan Rotan, talked about his team’s unfortunate series of six defeats and explained when we will start winning against teams like “Fiorentina”, and what he would advise “Dynamo” in their match against this club in the Conference League.
Ruslan Rotan— Six consecutive defeats is a first in your coaching practice. How do you feel in this situation?
— There are different types of defeats. There were matches we lost fairly based on our performance, while in others, we certainly didn’t deserve to lose. But for us, this is primarily an experience.
— Which matches do you consider undeserved losses?
— Against “Fiorentina” in both the first and second games, we, in my opinion, did not deserve to lose at all. In the match against “Dynamo”, we played well for the first 30 minutes, but one mistake and a conceded penalty goal knocked us off course. We lost faith in ourselves and physically fell behind, which shows what we still need to work on.
There are no grounds to claim that we lost all six games without any chances.
We accept these defeats because this is football. I hope that in the future, such mistakes will not happen, and we will be able to achieve victories in similar matches.
— If you compare your matches against “Fiorentina” as a player and as a coach, which was harder — feeling the game or managing it?
— I played against “Fiorentina” 12 years ago. In the first match, I earned a penalty both for and against our team, and in the second, I provided an assist to Konoplyanka. During theoretical sessions, we always share similar stories with the boys.
Before the game against “Fiorentina”, many referenced encounters with various Italian clubs. It’s important to understand that back when I played, the level of football was one thing, and now it’s completely different.
— What’s the difference, given that you played not so long ago?
— The game is now much faster and more intense, with numerous tactical moments. There’s practically no time to think on the field. If we talk about what’s harder — being on the field or managing the team, then it’s definitely to manage. You see, I’ve already started getting gray hair.
— You scored first, but then conceded and lost. Now, above all, do you need to work on psychology?
— Of course.
— Do you have a professional psychologist in your team?
— No, we are trying to play the role of psychologists ourselves. We understand that this is a very challenging moment for everyone, and defeats do not instill confidence. With the help of video and analytics, we show the guys that they didn’t deserve what happened on the field. We really want them to believe in themselves and that our work will yield results.
— There’s a lot of criticism regarding the team and your work right now. How do you perceive this?
— Very calmly.
— How do you comment on Leonenko’s words that you are constantly running along the sideline telling footballers what to do, like children?
— If Leonenko believes so, I will have to listen and behave more calmly, running less. (Smiles).
— Is your team currently fully equipped? Are there positions you would like to strengthen?
— I don’t think any coach would say his team is fully equipped. “Polissia” is a developing club, so it strives to strengthen its squad.
— What final position in the Ukrainian championship would not upset you?
— Right now, we need to focus on each match. After the winter break, we can start discussing such matters, but for now, it’s not the time.
Oleksandr Petrov
