Sport Arena and the PFL recognized forward Metallurg Sidorov from Zaporozhye as the best player of the 1st round of the First League of the 2022/23 season
The hero of the starting round in the First League, striker of Zaporozhye Metallurg Alexei Sidorov, spoke about his emotions from the match against Kremn (3:3), and also thanked Vladimir Belotserkovets for safety net.
“Of course, such attention to my person is always nice,” said the SportArena footballer. – However, the most important thing is the results of the team. I want to help Metallurg win every match. Unfortunately, this game did not achieve the desired result.
– How exciting was the start in the First League for you? Worried before the game?
– For me personally, this was not the first game in the First League. He made his debut in the 2019/20 season. Before every game there is excitement, but with the first touch of the ball it disappears. The coach always asks us to think only about football, so we try to put all unnecessary opinions out of our heads, although now it is very difficult.
– How would you rate the preparation of the team for the season? Have you been able to implement everything, taking into account the situation in the country?
– I think that we managed to approach the beginning of the championship in good playing condition. We managed to do a good job at the training camp, play sparring matches against strong opponents. We are ready to demonstrate our best football and progress from match to match.
– Already in the 11th minute you converted a penalty and opened the scoring in the match. Does this trust from partners additionally inspire and motivate you? What flashed through your head after the debut goal scored?
– It’s nice when the team believes in me. I do my best not to let my partners down. After the goal was scored, positive emotions were overflowing. After such a long pause, I am happy to experience the emotions of scoring goals in official matches again.
– The opponent quickly leveled the score. Did that missed ball become a cold shower for you? Who didn’t win in this situation?
– Of course, it is always unpleasant to miss. In addition, we completely controlled the game. We will analyze this episode in theoretical lessons and try not to make such mistakes in the next matches.
– You didn’t score the second penalty in the game, but Vladimir Belotserkovets backed it up. Have you already prepared a small gift for a partner who helped you?
– I will definitely thank Vladimir. I thank him for helping me out and scoring a very important goal for our team.
– Even before the break after the cross from Belotserkovets, you increased the advantage of Metallurg with your accurate shot. Can you remember this episode?
– Polevoi moved from the flank to the center and gave it to Belotserkovets. When I saw that Vladimir was ready to give, he ran to the near post and sent the ball into the net.
– What happened in the second half? Perhaps the removal of the opponents’ defender Sidorenko had a negative impact on the team and you believed in victory early?
– I still don’t have an answer to this question. Our team failed the second half of the meeting. You can’t play like that. We hope that we will draw the right conclusions from this match.
– Do you agree that Roman Loktionov, thanks to a series of substitutions in the second half, was able to turn the tide of the meeting, and your team was unable to adapt to this?
– Indeed, the opponent’s coaching staff changed the course of the match with their substitutions. I don’t understand why we weren’t ready for this. However, it is also necessary to pay tribute to the Kremenchug team.
— This match gave your team invaluable missing experience. What conclusions did you make after the game?
– The championship has just begun. It all depends on our game. Each player will analyze their mistakes and we will move on. On Tuesday, we will analyze the game again, the coaching staff will note the positive and negative points.
– The start in the First League was very bright for you. How satisfied are you personally with your progress?
– I am happy that I was able to score with a double, but, unfortunately, the team did not win. I want to thank my teammates, because without their help I wouldn’t have been able to score.
– What are your expectations from the match against LNZ, which everyone considers one of the favorites of the championship due to the large number of experienced players in the roster?
– Now it is difficult to single out the favorites of this season. In my opinion, all teams are more or less equal. The championship promises to be interesting. After six or seven rounds it will be possible to assess the potential of the teams. I think that the game against LNZ will be spectacular.
BLITZ
- Born in Makeevka, Donetsk region
- Pupil of the Miner
- The first coaches – Nikolai Nikolaevich Taranov and Yaroslav Alexandrovich Skidan
- I follow Lukaku’s game, I liked Aguero’s game
- Favorite club ‒ Barcelona
- My dream is to play in the UEFA Champions League and score there
Source: Sportarena
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.