Sport Arena, together with the PFL, is naming the hero of the next round in the First League. In the 16th round it is the midfielder of SK Poltava Shcherbak and the winger of Metalist Ryazantsev. Here is an interview with the first of them
A unique case for us – the jury of the PFL and Sport Arena simultaneously name two players as laureates of the 16th round. Their achievements are so powerful that it is difficult to ignore what is perfect. The first hero is already announced: Evgeny Ryazantsev with his two goals brought Metalist their first victory since the summer. The second one is here. Involved in four goals in the regional derby.
The hero of the sixteenth round in the First League, Dmitry Shcherbak, in an exclusive interview with Sport Arena, shared his impressions of the victory over Gornyak-Sport (4:1), analyzed the team’s performance, and also noted the importance of the final matches in 2023.
— How important is it for you to be recognized as the best player of the tour?
– Of course, I am very pleased to win this honorable nomination. Recognition from authoritative specialists motivates you to new achievements. However, above all, this is the merit of the entire team. I’m happy that I managed to score three important points.
– It is not advisable for Poltava to lose points in the final matches of the season in order to finish in the top 5. How much pressure does responsibility for results put on the team?
– In my opinion, every team wants to finish in the Top 5. We have two finals left, and we will prepare as usual. If we tune in to these games like we did to the last three games, then I think everything will be fine.
— You started the game very actively, but for a long time you couldn’t score. Problems with implementation can be seen in most matches. What is the reason in the first place?
– We work on this constantly in training, but the football players don’t work. There are good matches, but sometimes you are unlucky. In some matches we make mistakes, but this is a normal process. The main thing is to move on and progress. Everyone makes mistakes, but the one who draws the right conclusions wins.
– In the 27th minute, after your pass, Vivdic scored. Did you understand that you should increase your lead before the break to make it more comfortable in the second half?
— We started the game well, but the opponent also had the opportunity to score. Of course, when you score a goal, you want to increase your lead before the break. It is important that we succeeded.
– At the end of the half you scored a penalty kick. In your opinion, was this a key episode in the match?
– We understood that the whole game was still ahead and we couldn’t slow down, because we were playing against a strong opponent. Everyone remembered well how Gornyk-Sport came back from 0:2 against Victoria.
– At the beginning of the second half of the meeting you scored your eighth goal in the championship. Are you satisfied with your performance or do you think you could have been even more useful to the team?
– You always want to score and give as much as possible, but I repeat that we are not working. In some episodes we succeed, but sometimes we play less effectively. I try to improve and bring as much benefit to the team as possible.
— In this match we scored twice and gave two assists. So far, were your most productive matches of the season and more memorable?
— I think four scoring actions is a decent result. Last season, in the match against Mariupol, I also scored four goals, only then I scored three goals and assisted once. Unfortunately, I don’t always manage to play like this, but I do my best.
– The victory allowed Poltava to rise into the top 5 and now everything depends on your team. What are your expectations from the matches with Dinaz and Chernigov?
– Of course, now everything is in our hands. There are two finals ahead, two unyielding opponents. I believe that based on their performance, Dinaz and Chernigov should be higher in the standings. They just didn’t have enough skill or luck in some places to win. We must be as tuned to the game as possible. We believe in our strength.
— In your opinion, what event can be considered a turning point for Poltava this season?
— I can’t single out any specific match, because in our group all the teams are more or less equal. Everyone can beat everyone. I enjoy playing in such competition.
– The reason for the team’s instability is the large-scale rotation after last season?
– I don’t think that we are playing unstable. Compared to last season, we scored more points. In addition, we managed to strengthen significantly. It just took time for the new players to understand what the coach required of them.
– Poltava is trying to play modern football. Which opponents can you mention, if the quality of the game is taken into account first of all?
– In our group, all the teams are quite strong, there are no easy matches. If we draw a parallel between coaching and player progress, I like Dinaz. Vyshgorod residents are trying to play modern football, and this inspires respect.
– Do you still have energy left for the last two matches in 2023? Are you already playing more on the moral-volitional side?
– Thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine we can play football. Physically there are no problems. We are determined for maximum results in the final matches. I want our work not to be in vain.
BLITs
- Born in Poltava
- Pupil – Youth Sports School named after I. Gorpinko
- First coach – Andrey Viktorovich Marchenko
- Favorite club – Barcelona
- Favorite Player: Kevin De Bruyne
- Goal in football? I strive to return to the UPL
Yaroslav Krokha
Source: Sportarena
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
