02 September 2023

KHL. Barys - Salavat Yulaev. Trainer's comments (video)

After the match Barys - Salavat Yulaev (2:3) a press conference was held with the head trainers of both teams.

Viktor Kozlov, Salavat Yulaev Head Trainer

- We had a good start, managed to score and take the lead. We had a good power play in the third period, then Barys went for a rebound, making some dangerous chances. We lost the flow of the game a little bit, but it was because Barys started to aggressively pressing us, forced to make mistakes. Guys were good, they did not flinch at the end, had patience and earned two important points.

- After 3:0, it seemed as if your team started playing a little sluggish?

- No, it was just a feeling. When you play against Barys, their fans always support them, especially when it's an away game. Dangerous team, good skill sets a lot, they moved well, forced us into mistakes.

- Can you mention anyone of Barys' players personally?

- You know, I'd be more interested in commenting on the performance of my players. The opposing team's players are better commented on by the trainer. I have to praise mine, and I scold mine.

Andrei Skabelka, Barys Head Trainer

- I want to congratulate everyone on the start of the season and I would like to say many thanks to the fans for such support, for the interest in the team! On the game: it took us a long time to get into this match. We have a very good team. We can play well, but considering the very beginning of the match, we didn't quite manage to get into the game the way we wanted to, the way we can. Second period: we should have scored on the power play, scored that puck, then the energy would have gone earlier. But, unfortunately, it wasn't until the third period that we played the way we wanted to. We didn't have enough in the end to gain a control of this match. I really liked the third period and the mindset of the team. Getting ready for Sibir.

- When the team is winning, we hear your cheerful "well done." What did you say to the team today, if it's no secret?

- The beginning of the championship, there was stiffness, nervousness. We didn't quite hold onto the puck, we didn't always make the decisions that went in the team's favor. I told the guys that it was a good third period, grateful that they fought, fought to the end. Even if, although not though, we play that way and the wins will come.

- When will we see Adil Beketayev in the lineup?

- He's recovering from a serious surgery. I won't tell you the exact dates, but I don't think it will be before the end of October.

- The first period was quite correct, almost no penalties, the second and third - there were penalties. Your colleague said it's emotion, do you agree with that?

- The first period was quite timid on our part, so Salavat Yulaev had a lot of puck possession. We played pretty well positionally, but we also didn't have a lot of energy. We added in the second period, we naturally didn't want to play like that. There's the penalties. Alikhan Omirbekov entered the game quite well. Together with Alikhan Asetov and Dinmukhamed Kaiyrzhan they gave energy and earned penalties. Unfortunately, we didn't utilize the big four minute penalty. Penalties are working both ways. When you score it gives the team momentum, when you don't score, obviously it's not always good. We have two powerplay brigades, they play at that time and the rest of the guys sit on the bench, and when you score, everybody's energized. In the third period we changed the formation, and we managed to feel the game We got a shot on the power play and had some more chances. Third goal was unnecessary, it was a bit hard. There was no time left to draw equal, although there were some good chances.