Batagov: I had three days to heal and recover for Metalist 1925; we played with the youth team in Baku and took almost 24 hours to get home

Central defender Zarya Arseny Batagov in the match with Metalhead 1925 recorded another assist in the current season of the Ukrainian championship. Now the defender four points – 2+2 – according to the “goal+pass” system in 16 UPL matches of the 2023/2024 season.

— You only recently returned to Zarya’s location after a trip to the Ukrainian youth team. Were you able to properly prepare for this meeting?

— I had three days to heal and recover for Metalist 1925. We played in Baku and it took almost 24 hours to get home.

— When preparing for the match with Kharkov Metalist 1925, did you take into account that they were going on a nine-match streak without victories?

“We didn’t pay much attention to this.” We just wanted to prepare well for the important match. We came out of a difficult situation with honor.

— Today Maxim Imerekov played in the center of the Kharkov defense. You played with him in Zarya…

— Yes, we played together for a year in Zarya. Before the start of the fight, we exchanged a few words with him.

“Today Eduardo Guerrero made a difference on the football field. I assume everyone on your team is happy about this?

“He finally managed to score.” Moreover, I liked the first goal more. Because from my program. I think that I already have three assists and two goals this season (Arseniy made a mistake by one successful pass – approx. S.A.). I don’t want to stop there.

— Zarya has an important match with Dynamo ahead. How to resist the grandee of Ukrainian football?

“We have a lot of quality players in our squad. Everyone is ready to prove themselves.

— How do you feel when you see Zarya at the bottom of the standings?

— After the end of the first round, I definitely didn’t look at the table. We still have three more missed matches ahead – against Shakhtar, Dynamo and Kolos. We will try to take points in every game.