The head coach of the blue and white Marcel Licka answered journalists' questions after the return cup match with Lokomotiv (1:0, 4:3 on penalties).
— I have good emotions because we came to win and were able to win in a penalty shootout. I asked the guys to play their football and not think about how much they need to score. In the first half we played well defensively and had dangerous moments ahead. After the break, the opponent also had a one-on-one exit when Lunev saved the team. In the second half we played to win and in the end we were able to score. I am glad that luck was on our side in the penalty shootout and that we reached the next round.
— You made late substitutions. What caused this?
— I had a game plan in my head, and I was going to initially make 2-3 substitutions in the 70-75 minute. And I released Bitello, Arthur and Fomin for these 15 minutes. In the second half we had a good game. I thought it would be hard for Luis, but physically he looked very good. As a result, I first made a triple substitution, and then included Grulev in the game as the second powerful striker, and we switched to the 4-1-5 scheme, where Fomin was left alone in the center, because it was necessary to take risks.
— Leaving aside the result, are you satisfied with the quality of the team's game?
— Yes, because 3 days ago we played on an artificial pitch with Fakel after a break for national team matches. So together, in fact, we were preparing only yesterday. In the first half, we coped well with Lokomotiv's quick exits from defense, and after the break we improved our game even more. The team is trying, playing. It is clear that you always want more, but you have to pay tribute to the opponent. Today we played with a team that deservedly takes third place in the championship. Mikhail Galaktionov works very well with a team that shows an intense, fast game.
— How did you decide who would kick the penalty?
— I just asked the players who wants to kick a penalty, and then wrote down the order on paper.
— At the beginning of the season, everyone emphasized your problem with penalty shooters. Will you focus on this component?
— It is clear that after training the players stay and take penalties. But there is always more pressure on the kicker, because he has to score, and the goalkeeper does not lose anything in any case. I'm not saying they don't need to be trained. But when you've been playing in the championship for several years, all the goalkeeping coaches know how you kick penalties. Therefore, the mental side comes to the fore here.
