After the match against 'Surxon' in the 9th round of the Super League, 'Dinamo' head coach Vadim Abramov attended the press conference.
About the game
- The match was expected to be difficult. Because we had played against this opponent almost a round ago in the cup. It is not easy to defeat the same opponent twice in a short time. Both teams knew how we play, and we knew how they play. However, they changed a lot, if I'm not mistaken, they replaced 8 players in the lineup. We scored a goal in the first half. In the second half, we could have finished the game earlier. After we failed to convert our chances, it became a valid game. We played a lot in defense. I must thank the players; on this festive day, they did not disappoint the fans.
- Today, on Friday, Fraydey scored. This was his debut goal.
- We were waiting for him to break through. We know his potential well. He can still add to his game. It takes time for any player to adapt. I hope this goal gives him confidence and allows him to add good aspects to his game.
- What do you say about the stadium atmosphere?
- The atmosphere was amazing. We are happy that people are coming to watch football. Everyone will be pleased that the fans come and support the teams. I want to thank the fans from Samarkand. We will continue to make them happy.
- Today, Mirjahon Mirahmadov failed to capitalize on several goal-scoring opportunities. Additionally, Ravshanbek Yagudin could have also contributed to a goal. How would you rate their performance?
- Football is such that things do not always go well for everyone. Our number 9 player was in a similar situation. After he failed to score from that situation, he broke down mentally, which is why I substituted him. He does a lot of work during the game, applies pressure, and we are satisfied with his performances. As for our number 6 player, you noticed correctly, he received a yellow card, which is why we substituted him. The goalkeeper's position is such that one mistake can be decisive. Mistakes from other players may be forgotten, but that is how it is for goalkeepers. They take on a lot. Also, he did not play in the last round. Today, he played with his injury.
- You brought in Ormonjonov, who adapted to defense instead of Mirjahon Mirahmadov. Did 'Dinamo' play to maintain the score in the second half, or did it just seem that way to us?
- No, everything was based on the game. We wanted to strengthen the game by bringing in two players. We aimed to add speed to the attack by bringing in young players. Young players are always quick; you may remember that a young player scored in the last match. When they came on, chaos was starting to unfold in the center. A lot depends on that. In football, when you are winning 1:0, you have to play to maintain the score. We could have transitioned to a counter-attack and finished the game earlier. Although we played negatively, the result was positive. I like this better. There is always pressure, but the most important thing is the result.
- Until the 20th minute of the match, 'Surxon' was performing better. After the goal, 'Dinamo' started to deny the opponent any chances. Did your players hear your instructions under the stands filled with fans, or did they change the game themselves knowing everything?
- I did not pay attention to that. We had already decided everything before the game. We knew how 'Surxon' would play, we anticipated it. They are good at ground passes, and when the central striker receives the ball in front of the opponent's defender, the wing player accelerates. Knowing all this, we wanted them not to feel the game from the very first minutes. In such a situation, either pressing should be applied, or if that does not happen, we should stay in defense, disrupt the game they want to organize, create problems for the opponent, and then escape to counter-attack. After the 20th minute, the initiative shifted to us, and we scored a goal. In football, if a player cannot score from a comfortable position, that situation speaks for itself. In team play, we failed to score from one situation, then from another, and then the initiative shifted to 'Surxon'. Any team will have a period of decline at any stage of the game. We scored during that decline period of 'Surxon'. After that, we controlled the game and played on counter-attacks. Such situations are easier because open spaces appear, which our quick players can exploit. However, that did not happen today.
- 'Dinamo's next game is in the cup against 'Andijon'. Do you plan to experiment with the lineup?
- We have not yet resolved the cup issue. On May 13, we will play in 'Andijon', and after returning, we will play in 'Bukhara' on May 17. There will be changes in the lineup here. Those who have played less may also get a chance.
- Can players from the youth team play?
- There are other players sitting on the bench. They are not getting much playing time in the championship. We need to test them and see what they are capable of. Unfortunately, our youth teams play the day after the Super League matches. We cannot see the youth players. For example, you do not put on a premiere of a show and then have a rehearsal, right? Therefore, I cannot go to the game with the youth team players. In the past, I used to go and watch the youth games. This is the second year that I cannot do that.
- I want to ask about the UEFA Champions League. If I'm not mistaken, you were a 'Barcelona' fan. Is it fair for 'Inter' and PSG to play in the final?
- In football, the strong do not always win. But for a team like 'Barcelona' to concede 7 goals is too much. 'Barcelona' plays adventurous football, which is why the opponents also get lucky. Also, there is VAR here. When there was no VAR, 'Barcelona' would have justified itself when playing with such tactics. If there had been no VAR, the referee would not have changed his decisions. Because of VAR, any player has to play until the end. Even if there are 4 defenders against 1 striker, if you have to run 60 meters, you have to run. Then it becomes clear that there is an offside. A lot of time is spent running. 'Barcelona' now has many young players, and they are doing a lot of heavy work. This is very difficult, and 'Inter' took advantage of that.
- Currently, 'Dinamo' is in 3rd place. What will be the team's next goal?
- I think before the start of the season, all teams set one goal: to win the championship. The rest changes depending on how things develop. Our tasks have not changed. If someone encounters misfortune along the way, they may change their goals. But we have no changes - to go out on the field and use all our capabilities to win.
