Barys - Ak Bars. Coaches' comments

A press conference was held after match Barys - Ak Bars (0:3) with participation of head coaches of the teams.

Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, head coach of Ak Bars

- We had a match with Barys just a few days ago. There was a certain understanding of what the game would be and what we should do. I believe that we have eliminated shortcomings that we had at the home meeting. The guys played well, they were extremely disciplined.

- What do you think, which of the two victories, at home or away today, was easier?

- There are no easy victories. Every opponent is preparing. Therefore, it is not easy to win. It takes a lot of effort, you have to give a lot, and that is the main point.

- How do Ak Bars of 2009, who won two Cups, and current Ak Bars differ, and what do they have in common?

- The common thing is that we are focused on results. We want to win, and that's the main thing. We have a goal, and we strive for it. We had one team at that period of time, now we have another team. Other players, but primary goal is the same.

- Do you think that today Ak Bars outplayed Barys with the minimum performance?

- I cannot say that. Team gave a lot of effort, we were preparing for this match. We understood that the game would be serious. The guys played with a great dedication. They worked very hard.

Galym Mambetaliyev, acting head coach of Barys

- The game was not so bad, we held up well, and we endured a lot. Ak Bars team has highly skilled members, we have a younger team. There are a lot of guys who have just reached this level. We could have scored, but we made two mistakes in the center ice, and conceded two goals. We were afraid to play short-handed, but we showed a great performance for this one. If you do not score, they will wipe you out. Our guys tried so hard, they wanted to reverse the game, they changed the goalkeeper, but it did not work.

- The team looked great in powerplay at the beginning of the season, now everything is not so good for this component. What is the reason?

- Most of us are good at playing with this component, we are trying out different options. We need, of course, Starchenko in the white line, Barber - in the blue line.

- When will Starchenko, Asetov, Grant return to the team?

- Asetov is being prepared. I think he needs some practice. It is still not enough for the whole game. Starchenko started training as well. I think he will join the team in about a week. Grant has a problem with his back, so I cannot say for sure. Daniyar will play with us soon, he is the defender we need right now.

- What, in your opinion, are the reasons for such instability in game?

- Main reason is that leading players are injured. We cannot replace them fully with players who have previously played in the Kazakhstan championship, and joined KHL recently. Yes, they put a lot of efforts. In the future, if they continue to play, they will show you great results. But there are not enough leaders who can act decisively in powerplay, or in a difficult moment to make accurate shot.

General Partner of Barys HC – SWF Samruk Kazyna JSC

Partner of Barys HC - Tourism and Sports Industry Support Fund CF

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