05.03.2026

Mladen Bartulovich: "All our game today was very good"

Main coach of "Metalist 1925" Mladen Bartulovich on his team's advancement to the semi-finals of the Ukrainian Cup:

- Mladen, congratulations on the victory. What can you say about the match, how did it go? Was it as you planned?

- Thank you very much. Yes, we knew what the match would be like - it's the Cup. We prepared very seriously, understood who the opponent was. They are a team that acts very aggressively, we watched how they played during the training camp. And they are a very good team. They showed it today. Yes, it was difficult for us. The first half was good, we scored. There were many moments. I believe that we confidently won in the second half. We did what needed to be done today.

- How would you evaluate the goals in today's match? They were all scored with beautiful shots.

- Yes, very nice goals today. All three goals - superb execution by our players, but in my opinion, our entire game today was very good.

- Today, Rashych and Ari returned after injuries. How important is this for the team?

- This is very important for us. We are also waiting for Ramik to return, because we need competition in the attacking line. In many matches, as you saw today, Antyuk plays, Rashych comes on and adds the same intensity. This is very important for us.

- Did you know that the coaching staff of the opponents and several players were previously part of our club, does this have any significance?

- It does not. Yes, of course, I knew everything and I know Karpenko very well. I played with him and studied with him for the PRO license. We communicate very well, of course, I knew.

- How was the atmosphere at the stadium for you?

- Very good atmosphere. I want to thank the fans for that. There were many of them. And fans from Kharkiv also came. The "Lokomotiv" fans also created a very nice atmosphere. It was very pleasant to play today.