Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Vityaz» 1/22/2025
22.01.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Oleg Leontyev speaks with the media after a following 3–4 loss against Vityaz.
– We had a good start, scored two quick goals and took the lead. After that, the opponent tied up the score. In the third period, it was clear that the game would end in when some of the teams score the last goal. Unfortunately, individual mistakes led to a conceded goal. The guys tried hard and fought the whole game. But some players lacked skill. We also lack those guys who are currently in the injury list. Plus, we played the last two games against strong opponents, which also left its mark. The guys are trying, but we need to produce results. We have a game, we have fighters who lead the team. Therefore, we will fight to the end for the playoffs.– What needs to be done to pull the team out of this situation?
– Hockey is an unpredictable sport. One wrong or right move can change the game. Everything is subtle here, so we need to survive this moment and play a winning game. Then, as they say, we will move forward.
– You probably have a specific plan that you are following?
– We have 20 more games ahead. I repeat, no one is giving up, so we will fight to the very end. We are not going to give up.
– Why is new player Timur Khairullin not playing?
– At the moment, he is getting game practice at Izhstal.
– Three goaltenders played in January. Can you tell us how a goaltender is selected for a game?
– The decision is made together with the coaching staff.
Vityaz Head Coach Pavel Disyatkov:
– A difficult start to the game we had – we conceded two quick goals. We continued to work, keep the game going and follow the instructions for the game. All of this gavbe us this outcome. I think we played with a good discipline today.