CSKA - Neftekhimik. Comments of the coaches
1992

CSKA - Neftekhimik. Comments of the coaches

The head coaches of CSKA and Neftekhimik summed up the results of today's meeting.

Sergey Fedorov, head coach of CSKA:

- Such a start of the game is unacceptable for our team. I won't say that it was bad, but we were a little inferior in speed, in the duration of shifts. It all didn't turn out to be the beginning that we would like to see. Therefore, the game was difficult. We will work on psychology. We have to respect ourselves, the opponent and the situation when we almost completely retained the team. This should be appreciated. There is something to think about. Not the best feeling for the coaching staff. I think the players understand that too. If we put on a uniform with the inscription CSKA on the chest, we have to give everything from the first minute.

- What do you say about the game of a pair of Dietz – Nesterov? After all, in the last match, several scoring chances at the gates of CSKA happened in their presence.

- I watched those moments. Other players who were on the field were also involved in those moments. They didn't make it there, cut it off here, as a result, everything fell on the defenders, so they didn't look in the best light. But this is definitely a collective topic, we have already sorted it out. I hope the guys realized that the puck should be handled correctly and they should not lose it in our zone when we have the initiative.

- Are there any fundamental differences between today's match and the game with Metallurg?

- As I said, we played three different periods with Metallurg. And today it was like that too. We started both games badly, we still don't understand that we are a serious irritant. We need to talk to the guys about this. We need to take certain steps in this direction. We need to understand how we want to play and whether we have the potential to play all 60 minutes solidly, confidently, smoothly.

- CSKA is now getting the "Brazilian system" - you score as much as you can, and we – as much as we want. The margin of safety is visible. How do you manage to push the lever to transform the team and win back any handicap?

- I like this saying too, but it shouldn't apply to us. We can't play like that. We expose ourselves both mentally and physically with such a game. We catch a lot of pucks, shots, we play in the minority. The actions of the players lead to this. They should understand that hockey should be respected. I hope that the experience we have gained will help us understand that there is no point in such a game.

- Are fresh forces expected for the match with Ak Bars?

- No. We will play with the same squad as today.

- Are you more upset by the fact that you have to fight back, or are you happy that the team is achieving results?

- Of course, the first one. Why drive yourself into such a hole, why make yourself suffer? We have to play it right, we can do it. We have excellent developments. This is psychology, we will have to work with it. I don't think we have the right to bring our games to such a state, the rhythm and gameplay are collapsing. If we come out toothless, we are beaten for two periods, and then we remember that we are CSKA – this is not our approach.

- Did you decide before the game that in overtime, when throwing in rival's zone, the goalkeeper would not return to the ice?

- The decision came after we successfully changed, took over the initiative. I already knew that the goalkeeper would stay on the bench.

 

Oleg Leontiev, Head Coach of Neftekhimik:

- I thanked the guys. The first fight is the most difficult. A serious opponent is the national champion. We fought very well, a lot of desire, a lot of blocked shots. They could have scored three minutes before the end of the third period, but they hit the post. In general, we had an excellent combat match. The audience probably liked it. And we liked that the players have a desire to fight on equal terms with the top teams.

- Neftekhimik made an ironic promo video for the season. The mood in the disco style probably passed on to the team?

- Yes, we have young perky guys. They can play boldly. In fact, this video was created by our sponsor. The guys agreed to act, they liked it.

- How hard is it to assemble such a team with a bright attacking game every year within a limited budget?

- The more difficult, the more interesting. I like that in such a budget we find and motivate players to play games and work. I am very glad that the players are doing well.

- Were you ready for the fact that you would have to play three on four in overtime?

- Now there is such a trend in overtime. It was obvious that this would be used against us. I understood that if we lost the face-off, we would have to play against four opponents. We were ready and could even score.

- There were a lot of deletions today. What is the reason for this? And why was it not possible to keep the winning score?

- In the last regular season, we had 3-4 removals per game, when the playoffs began - 6-7 each. I don't know why this is happening. It seems like we are trying to play in a disciplined manner. We don't play on the verge of a foul, we tune in as always. I can't explain it. When you play a lot in the minority, you lose strength and concentration. The attacking team has more opportunities.

- How would you comment on the game of experienced players – Parshin, Ovityu?

- Ovityu is a professional to the core, it is immediately evident in training. He helps young people a lot, leads them. This is one of the main defenders, we have high hopes for him. We are very glad that we signed it. Parshin also performed very well, he had good moments today. It's a pleasure to work with such professionals.

- Has Leshchenko retained the enthusiasm with which he joined your team?

- Yes, Slava also worked well in the preseason, had a connection with Mityakin and Ordin. I hope this will be our shock link throughout the season.

- You also lost to CSKA in overtime last season, when they changed the goalkeeper. Why couldn't you learn a lesson from that match?

- When the puck is controlled by professionals, some of the best in the country, it is very difficult to take it away.