- 0: 5 - a fair result, or could it still be different?
- How else? If we lost 0: 5, then it should be so. Of course, you could play better. But there were too many deletions in our team. Not completely preserved game discipline. This game and this result reflect the real power of Ukrainian and Finnish hockey.
- That is, the judge did not quibble?
- No, I didn’t find fault. It’s just that a lot of things didn’t work out for us, they began to get nervous, but this should not be allowed. But in general, we have one goal in this tournament - to beat the Danes and stay in group “A”. This match will be a lesson to us. You can’t react to anything, you must adhere to your tactics.
- It turns out these two matches with Finland and Russia - training?
- It's not that training, but you really have to look at things. But it is through these two games that we must prepare for the Danes.
- And what will need to be fixed before this game?
- It is necessary to allow less deletions. And not just deletions, namely stupid rule violations. Because of this, many goals were missed.
- And what are stupid violations?
- For example, in a foreign zone. I got my second fine in this meeting out of the blue. This must not be allowed. I will pull myself together and try not to do this anymore.
- You play in this tournament as a striker. Like?
- I feel normal, but not comfortable enough. In general, the trouble with the current team is that I play in the attack. I’m still an attacker, but a defender, I’m more familiar in defense. But I hope I will be useful in the attack. I want to help the team.
- What do you think will be the match with the Russian team?
- I think that the Russian team will definitely win. The main thing is that they have a serious attitude. But the main matches of your team are ahead. Now we must roll in to be in shape in a week. I know that the hockey players playing at Metallurg and Ak Bars are very tired after the season. They need to recover. It’s important because the team will play in the second round and the playoffs.
- You have a lot of refuseniks. No offense at the comrades who threw the Ukrainian team in trouble, given the shortage of players?
- Yes, so many failures are almost a tragedy. But resentment? No, no offense. Each has its own reasons. Someone has a family, someone has club problems. How can I be offended by comrades? They at one time played for the team for free. Now, interestingly, all problems with money have been solved. It turns out a paradox. There is money - no strongest. But not us, but such a life.
- The Ukrainian team has always been considered a combat team. You can recall how you almost beat the Italian team at the last World Cup. Do you expect a show from you this year?
- Here we will win against Denmark 7-0, then in the third period we will amuse the public. We have a coma.
Alexey Shevchenko