After the victory over "Sho‘rtan" in the 5th round of the Super League, "Navbahor" head coach Sergey Lushan attended a press conference.
- It was a very tough game. We knew it would be difficult for the guys; the opponents had nothing to lose. "Sho‘rtan" had 3-4 good chances. However, they lacked the skill to finish those situations. This team played well and beautifully. I thank the guys for holding on until the end. We also had our chances. We need to take advantage of that. We scored two goals, and I am satisfied with the result, I am only satisfied with the result.
- There are many problems in defense. Although old players have been replaced with new ones, "Navbahor's" weakest point remains the defense. The team has conceded seven goals. What do you say about this?
- You can't separate football now. Football is not what it was 30 years ago; now everyone knows how to play both in defense and attack. Yes, we currently have problems with collective defense. Our defenders are of high quality; in my opinion, our two central defenders are the best in Uzbekistan. If you had learned football like us, you would see that in battles for the ball, only one percent of the ball is lost. This is top-level. I have many questions regarding the defensive play. First of all, we need to correct the center during defensive play. There are problems and shortcomings. All of this is a normal situation. I understand well what is happening. However, if I snap my fingers, all the shortcomings won't magically disappear. We need to work; we have progress. We have serious tasks ahead of us. But this is not enough. We need to work, we need to work on defense.
- "Navbahor" is playing well in attack, scoring two goals in every game. Except for the game against "Dinamo," the team has been scoring in every match. However, they lost points due to defense in the games against "Andijon" and "Neftchi."
- I didn't say there are no problems. We are working. Mistakes are not forgiven. What else could we do? Regardless, the team plays based on the opponent; you need to understand that. Right now, I don't see a team in Uzbekistan with a very poor attacking line. All teams have high preparation, and their attackers are strong; it is not easy to compete against them. Therefore, we are in the process of correcting our mistakes more quickly.
- Azim Ahmedov started the game in central defense and then played in midfield. Is this due to tactics?
- Listen, tactics depend on the game and the opponent. After the first 20 minutes, we figured out how to transition to attack. That's why we made changes. Fortunately, we have several players in our squad who can play in positions like Azim Ahmedov. We pushed him forward. As a result, our attacking play improved, but chaos began in defense. Through him, we were able to change the game. There are 3-4 different styles worked on in training with the guys. My players understand this well. If I nod my head, they will implement all the changes. Everything can change quickly. Last season, it took 3 months to reach this level. I hope that this season 3 months will be enough for us too.
- Today, Azim Ahmedov took the penalty. Is he the team's main penalty taker?
- Yes. He didn't take the penalty poorly. No complaints about the goalkeeper. He made a good save. Whether he kicked well or poorly is a secondary issue. The opponent's goalkeeper didn't just come to act as an obstacle. He also works. That situation was a severe blow to us.
- What is the situation with Shohmalik Komilov?
- I don't know yet. Tomorrow we will have him undergo a medical examination. He couldn't continue the game due to a blow to the bone. He is a key player for us.
- Injuries have increased this season. Does this worry you?
- No, this is not a problem. It happens in all teams. It's not about the players. The game is changing rapidly. We also have competition for the squad.
- You said that for me to stay in the team, the management must agree to my conditions. Later, six coaches came with you. Did the management fully meet your conditions?
- Our working conversations with the management have always ended well. This is a normal situation. Not everything can be implemented at once. Regarding the coaching staff, I can say that I got the people I wanted. Some left, yes, that's bad. At this moment, we don't need any more coaches. I am satisfied with all of them. Through the coaches who came here, we will eventually reap our rewards.
- "Navbahor" is struggling to play at home compared to away games. What is this related to?
- Psychology. Because even a day before the game, pressure starts to be observed in the guys. Playing football here is not easy. For now, they are only showing what they are capable of. During home games, players sometimes "disappear" on the field. They are unable to deliver what they can. This is only related to the psychological process. Because several players have gotten used to 20 fans in the stands during the championship, but it won't be like that here. Up to this point, they have not been under such pressure. Therefore, we need to work on this. When I was a player, I felt that mistakes could not be made in home games. This is a huge pressure. After 10 minutes, everything passes. We have many players included in the plan, and they quickly adapt to any situation.
