Oleksandr Riabokon: The flanks worked well, but there was something missing in the penalty area

Head coach of Kyiv's "Livyi Bereh" Oleksandr Riabokon commented on the away match of the 3rd round of the UPL against Kryvyi Rih's "Kryvbas" - 1:1.

- Congratulations on your first goal scored in the UPL after returning. The match was not easy, but we managed to get one point away. What are your impressions of the match?

- It seems like a draw away against a good team, but there is no particular joy. There was a problematic moment in the first half that was not in our favor. The entire second half, especially after the opponent's penalty, we had a solid playing advantage, but we managed to score only one goal. Although the goal turned out to be really very good.

- The goal was the result of individual skill. Did the home team feel after the penalty that the team would get more space and be able to open up to its full potential?

- Yes, we opened up and added. The flanks worked very well, but in the opponent's penalty area we lacked some aggressiveness or a banal "goal feeling".

- How did you prepare for this match, given that Kryvbas dangerously attacks through the defensive zone? Did you analyze these moments?

- Of course, we reviewed both previous matches. In addition, we recently met with Kryvbas in the offseason - then there was a productive sparring match (3:5). I won't say that today we scored purely through the defensive zone - it was more individual skill that played a role. At the start, we had more initiative, but in ten minutes we received several dangerous shots. Today, the opponent again delivered a difficult shot, and we had a similar moment with a similar goal.

- Sokolov appeared in the starting lineup, who was very active in sharpening through flank passes. On his flank, Kryvbas had a fast rookie. Was Sokolov's appearance planned personally for him?

- We didn't know for sure who exactly would come out for the opponent - this player or another performer, we expected a slightly different debutant. As for Sokolov - he's a great guy. In the offseason, he had surgery, underwent rehabilitation, and this was his first full appearance. He played very actively. There was excitement at the start, which is quite natural, but overall he played a very strong match.

- At the end of the match, your team created a number of chances, in particular after Kvasnytsia's shots and finishing attempts. Did you feel that you could snatch victory?

- I really wanted it. There were chances to take the goal, but the opponent's goalkeeper played great, making several 100% saves. And in the episode, Wendell lacked skill in the final phase.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih