Hero of the 18th round of the First League Maxim Girny: “I think that Epicenter deserves to play in the UPL”

In the Western group, until the very end, intrigue remained in the fight for access to the playoffs and the most prestigious places possible. Epicenter’s victory in Bucha over Buzovskaya Niva brought Nagornyak’s team to second place, and striker Girny scored a double. Sport Arena, together with the PFL, had no doubt about the winner.

The hero of the eighteenth round in the First League, Maxim Girny, in an exclusive interview with Sport Arena, shared his impressions of the victory over Buzovskaya Niva, and also analyzed the successful autumn part of the season for Epicenter.

— How important is it for you to be recognized as the best player of the tour in the First League?

— Of course, winning such an honorable nomination is pleasant and important for me. Recognition adds motivation to work even harder and improve from match to match. I am moving forward to new achievements.

– Your team finished the autumn part of the season with a record-breaking streak of nine matches without defeat. What is the strength of the current Epicenter?

— First of all, it is worth noting the atmosphere within the team. We agreed that everyone works to the maximum from the first to the last minute. The unity of the whole team helped us achieve results in the first part of the season.

– Before the game with Niva, you probably thought that if you won, you could finish the year in second place? Or was it not so important for you?

– From a tournament point of view, this was a very important game for us. We strived to end 2023 on a positive note. We are faced with the most ambitious tasks, so every credit point is extremely important.

– The first half was not easy for your team, but in the 34th minute, after Lyashenko’s pass, you sent the ball into the net with a shot under the crossbar. Share your emotions from the first goal two months later?

“I experienced incredible emotions, because I had to miss 2-3 weeks due to back problems. I worked a lot to be in good shape for the last matches of the year. The goal certainly gave me confidence in my own abilities.

– What did the coaching staff focus on during the break?

– It was important to control the ball more, to take the game away from our own goal. At the first opportunity they tried to quickly move into the final third of the field in order to increase their advantage. Happy that we were able to achieve our goal.

– Perhaps after the break your opponent surprised you with something or there was no surprise?

– I can’t say that the opponent offered us something new. We have thoroughly analyzed all the strengths and weaknesses of the Niva. We made the right conclusions after the last face-to-face meeting.

– In the 77th minute you scored after Stanislav Kristin’s cross. Did you understand that all questions about the winner have already been resolved?

“Such thoughts were in my head, but I realized that I shouldn’t calm down. It was important to play our usual football and try to score more. In our sport, everything can turn upside down in a few minutes, so we kept our concentration until the last second. Unfortunately, I couldn’t realize one more thing, but I’m happy with this achievement too.

— Perhaps you are a little upset that the autumn part of the season is over, because you are now in your optimal shape?

— I can’t say that I feel 100%, because health problems could not help but affect me. I had to spend time on treatment and recovery. After a three-week break, it’s not easy to quickly get into optimal shape. During the off-season I will have time to fully recover and will get into shape during the holidays.

– Remember after which match you realized that the team could compete for promotion?

“The composition of our team is well-matched, everyone knows what to do in a given game situation. We always try to demonstrate our best football. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out, and sometimes you’re just unlucky. I think that Epicenter deserves to play in the UPL.

– In sixteen matches you scored six goals. How significantly have health problems affected your performance?

– I didn’t play at all for two weeks, and then it was difficult to fit in after this break. I came on as a substitute in difficult matches and tried to do everything in my power. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find moments to excel. However, the performance in the match with Niva gives optimism. I hope to make significant progress in the spring.

— Which of the defenders in the group is most inconvenient for you? Maybe someone impressed in the first part of the season among all the players?

— Of course, first of all I would like to mention Baboglo, who has experience playing in the UPL and the Moldavian national team. This is a very inconvenient opponent, against whom it is not easy for any attacker to play. Vladislav always finds someone behind his back, so beating him is a very difficult task.

– What did the head coach tell you after the last game in 2023? What were the emotions in the locker room?

– We ended 2023 in a good mood. We ended the autumn part of the season on a positive note. The coach said that we should not relax, because the whole struggle is still ahead. It is important to work individually while on vacation so that you are in good shape when training starts.

– What are your vacation plans now?

– Now I will rest mentally and physically for two weeks. During this period, you should undergo several medical procedures and only then begin work and get in shape.

BLITZ

• Born in the beautiful city of Lviv
• Pupil of Sports School “Karpaty”
• The very first coach who invited me to the Carpathian school was Vladimir Mikhailovich Shcherba, who, unfortunately, is no longer with us.
• I follow the very talented and goal-scoring Holland, I think this is the best example of a top striker
• Favorite club since childhood – Real (Madrid)
• Dream? Walking into a crowded stadium during a UEFA Champions League match while your club’s name is being chanted