The head coach of the youth team of Rivne’s Veres, Stanislav Upilkov, shared his impressions of the game of the red-and-blacks in Kryvyi Rih.
This is reported by Rivne24
Upilkov noted that the team was dissatisfied with the result, as they had the opportunity to convert a penalty and several other chances to score. “Of course, we are not happy with this result. Having the chance to score from a penalty and a few other good opportunities, we could have hoped for more than a draw,” he emphasized.
The match turned out to be very principled and competitive, as the opponent also sought to improve their position in the league table. The coach highlighted that the team showed character and played at a good level, but it was disappointing that they could not convert the penalty. “If we had scored, we would have forced the opponent to open up and would have waited for mistakes from Kryvbas in the midfield,” Upilkov added.
The coach also expressed gratitude to his players for their efforts on a difficult pitch, which was covered in water. “Look at the amount of work they did on such a very, very challenging field. A field where both flanks and the penalty area were completely underwater,” he noted.
Upilkov plans to discuss with the team the aspects that need improvement, particularly the selection of boots for such conditions. “But we fought to win until the last second of the match – for that, I am grateful to the team,” he concluded.
The coach also commented on a controversial episode in the second half when the match referee did not award a goal despite the assistant referee’s assurances. “The main referee could not see the episode clearly. The assistant shouted that he saw it. However, at that moment, he slipped and fell. Of course, he just decided not to take any risks,” he explained.
In conclusion, Upilkov noted: “We did not lose. We are upset that we did not win. But there are still two matches ahead before the winter break – we need to work on them well.”