Press-conference

Head coaches of HC "Donbass" and "Ariada-Akpars" shared their impressions of recent match

Aleksandr Kulikov (head coach of HC "Donbass"):

- The opponent played very well today, especially in the first period. The fact that they got lead into account, all predetermined. The second period we played a little more equally, but have not played that game, which we would like. In the third period has added, started to score and were close to having to level the score, but it was too late. There was a time in the second period when we could catch a game and score, there were good moments and the bullet, but, unfortunately, did not score, and without goals you can not win. I think that the guests have won today, deservedly so.

- What installation you gave to the game?

- Play intelligently in the defense, because now the team is not 100 percent fit. It was necessary to competently, safely and simply, to play in our zone. As for the goal which was not counted, referee looked replay of the episode, and if he made such a decision, then the game with highly raised stick has its place. If there would be no such viewing, then we would have something to say.

- "Donbass" lost to "Ariada" twice. Can we say that it is inconvenient opponent for the Donetsk team?

- You can say that. Two games we have been lost only with "Rubin" and "Ariada-Akpars".

- How is Goryachevskikh and Zhurun?

- Today I can say that we will not see them soon. Both are being treated. Many of our guys play with injuries. Kochetkov have not even skated before the game. It is common vital moments, which can appear at any command.

- You said that there is a definite slowdown. How long will it be needed to overcome it?

- Recession - it's not an excuse. Tired a little - we have it. You saw in the third period we have added, but there are still moments that we would like to improve. I think the team will get into good condition in the nearest future, and we'll start preparing for the playoffs. Championship is very long and we need to plan everything. Any team can have losing matches. There are no teams, in any country, that would not lose. Main thing - to analyze and to move forward.

Ilnur Gizatullin (head coach of HC "Ariada-Akpars"):

- We told our guys that we are going to play with the leader of our conference. There are experienced players who plays in it at a high level, so it was needed the ultimate dedication and to complete the installation for the game. Relaxed in the third period, and for this, the opponent has punished us immediately.

- Due to what you could beat an opponent today?

- We asked the guys about dedication. Played, so to speak, as second number, gave the territory to the opponent. Asked to make less mistakes in defense. We have seen that the errors of our strikers immediately led to the goals into our gate. To play with the "Donbass" into the open hockey could be like death.

- Population in Volzhsk is only 55 thousand people and you have such a good team...

- As for our team, we have no our pupils. All players are newcomers. Some from Neftekamsk, someone from Kazan. We have no school, and we do not have pupils. By the way, we liked Donetsk. Yesterday we were on a walk, looked around. I think in the summer it is even more beautiful. Here is a good football team here, we often watching the performances of "Shakhter" in the Ukrainian championship and European competitions.

Press Service of HC "Donbass"