Dynamo head coach Marcel Licka answered journalists' questions after the match with Rostov (2:1).
— If we don't finish one-on-one runs with the goalkeeper, it will always be difficult for us. In the first half, we played well in the middle of the pitch and organized fast counterattacks. We managed to score two goals. In the second half, we had a lot of attempts which we didn't convert into goals. And it made its impact by the end of the game. The opponent realised that they could score from a corner or cross. And so it turned out. Sergey Pesyakov is a great goalkeeper, and today he could also become an effective striker. It's good for us that he missed the target.
— What was a key factor which helped to beat Rostov in the first half?
— We quickly moved from defense to attack and were not afraid to strike. The ricochet helped us in the first goal, but we still had a lot of opportunities. When 18 meters remain to the goal, then, you have to shoot if you don't see your teammate in a promising position. In the second half, we played more from behind, had fast runs to attack, but it is impossible not to score out of 4 such occasions.
— During the break you fielded Chavez, and then Carrascal. What influenced your decision? Did you take into consideration that Rostov played ten-men after the red card?
— We had problems from the very beginning of the match. Already on the 3rd minute Moumi got hit on the leg, and it was hard for him to continue. By the end of the first half, Parsh had an ache in muscle. Sergey played well in the first half, although he performed as a centre-back for the third time in his life. Then I had to do another experiment, moving Fomin there. Chavez went to the midfield, and then we fielded Carrascal, who had to run away from defenders and beat them one-on-one. He played great in 2-3 situations.
— Did you have an educational talk with the team after the match with Spartak?
— It was hot in our dressing room right after the game. I told the guys everything to their face. I was very sad. The next day I was calmer.
— Are you satisfied with the team's reaction to that defeat?
— Our team is able to survive in difficult situations. I don't want my players to think that there is a squad for the championship, and there is another one that plays in the Cup. There are 22-23 footballers, and at any moment you have to be ready to come and help the team. They should be united.
— How successful were seven starting rounds for Dynamo?
— I am glad that our team is able to get out of its comfort zone. I think the team understands my requirements and we are constantly trying to get better. I'm sure we can go even higher. I always go game by game. We have 14 points, but I do not know where we are in the table. Let's look into it after the 30th round. I want the team to work and try. So that sometimes we can have easy games without nerves in the end. There are many aspects that can be improved. And I need to start with myself, because I am the face of the team and create the philosophy of our game. I also need to work even harder and better.