Mladen Bartulovich: "Very saddened by this score"

Press conference of the head coach of "Metalist 1925" Mladen Bartulovich after the match against "Kryvbas":

— We are very saddened by the score, as we believe that the team deserved more. Especially in the first half of the match, we had moments that were not realized, although we should have been advancing and closing this match in the first half. However, the team did not do that, "Kryvbas" punished us for mistakes, hence, the final result on the scoreboard.

— How do you assess your team's defense today?

— The whole team defends. With the first goal, after a throw-in from the side, they turned the attack around, Mendosa worked well and scored a goal. The second goal, yes, a defensive mistake, but I don't want to blame anyone, you can't say that any one player is responsible for this defeat. We are a team, we win and lose together, you understand? Just like how we attack and defend together.

— In my opinion, the attack of "Metalist 1925" was not up to par, many moments where the ball flew past the goal from 2-3 meters. These are experienced players, why is that?

— Of course, we created those moments, but they need to be converted. We will work on this. We have no other way.

— How do you assess the game of the team's newcomer - Itodo?

— This is his first match. I believe he is a very good forward and he will help us.

— Mba also showed promise, he fought for the ball, but what was lacking?

— Yes, goals were lacking. A forward should score goals.

— Kaliuzhnyi did not have a good game, do you agree?

— It's not just Kaliuzhnyi or Mba playing, it's the team. I believe the first half of the match was very good in our performance. Even the second half we started well, we had chances, but we couldn't convert them. We need to keep working, many new players, a new coaching staff, all of this needs to come together.

— Today you came to "your" Kryvyi Rih, did something stir in your heart?

— I am always happy to return to Kryvyi Rih and see these people whom I once worked with. Always happy to come back.