04.08.2025

Mladen Bartulovich: "We needed to play more aggressively"

Post-match press conference of the head coach of "Metalist 1925" Mladen Bartulovich after the draw against "Obolon":

- Tough match! The first official game, there was some nervousness among the boys, there were mistakes, especially in the first half. I believe that the second half from our side was much better, but we couldn't press "Obolon". We pushed, but couldn't score. The opponent defended well, slowing down the pace with constant breaks due to injuries.

- What was lacking to press harder?

- More individual actions from our players, more creativity, sharpness in the final third, shots on goal. We needed to play more aggressively. I understand that "Obolon" defended very tightly, and it was difficult to break through such defense.

- How was your first game in Zhytomyr and the stadium in general?

- I want to thank Zhytomyr and the football club "Polissya" for the warm welcome. Personally, I like this stadium, the pitch is very good, and it's generally pleasant to play here.

- Everyone says that one of the best pitches in the country is here, what do you think of it?

- Yes, I can confirm that one of the best pitches in Ukraine is here, it's true.

- Ari Moura is one of the team leaders, why didn't he start the game?

- We observe how players perform in training, how they did during the training camp. Today we decided like this, there is competition for these positions, today we decided this way, the next game may be different. It all depends on how players work in training, and we decide who will start.

- Can you already say after the match whether it was a mistake not to start Ari Moura?

- It's only after the game that we can say if it was a mistake or not. We decided like this. It was a tense match, not everything went as we wanted, there were enough mistakes. In the second half, we added more pressure on "Obolon" after substitutions. Not being able to score is a problem, we understand that and will work on it.

- How do you feel about playing against "Polissya," since both games will practically be away?

- It's normal, it's a normal process. I want to thank again for the opportunity to play in Zhytomyr.