Yevhen Pavlyuk: "Focus on our game"

Defender of "Metalist 1925" Yevhen Pavlyuk shared expectations for the match against "Shakhtar" and talked about the progress of Kharkiv residents in the spring part of the season:

— What are the main thoughts before the match with "Shakhtar"?

— The thoughts are positive. We are tuning in as a team, preparing during training. I expect a good match.

— After watching the "Shakhtar" vs "Lech" match, what moments did you notice?

— Let it remain a mystery for now. We took certain moments from yesterday's match and hope to make use of them.

— Is "Metalist 1925" more inclined to play with the first number in the match against "Shakhtar"?

— I don't know. We will play the football that the coaching staff offers. On Sunday, we will see how the game unfolds.

— What emphasis did Mladen Bartulovich make in preparation for the game against the "miners"?

— The emphasis is on our game. We constantly strive to improve from match to match. We work on both defense and attack, started scoring more. I am very pleased that we also play "to zero". I hope that on Sunday we will become better through this game.

— Who will take the free kicks? This question arises after the match with "Rukh".

— If there is a good position, I will approach the guys and ask them to take another shot.

— In the match against "Rukh", the head coach told you to take a free kick. Was this expected for you?

— No, it was not expected. But there was a similar moment in a friendly match during training camp when there was also a good position. Then the head coach also told me to step up and take the shot. The shot was not as successful as in this match, but I approached and was confident. I think that moment helped me to execute the free kick well and score.

— Do you practice free kicks separately during training?

— Honestly, no. Only if there is a special exercise during training. I don't stay after training specifically to practice free kicks.

— Three matches of the spring part of the UPL are already behind. How do you feel the team's progress?

— The progress is very noticeable. If we look at the first match against "Kryvbas", we played "to zero" and acted well in defense, but were not as aggressive in attack as in the last two matches. We are working on this in training, and I am glad that it is starting to pay off.

— How well have the newcomers who strengthened the team in winter integrated into the game?

— I think some of them have already fully integrated. We have such a team that helps new players adapt quickly. Moreover, there are many foreigners in the team, so it is easier for newcomers, especially foreigners, to fit in.

— Who, in your opinion, adapted the fastest?

— It's hard to say, but I think it's Niko. He is already playing in the lineup, so it was a bit easier for him to adapt.

— Is the team now at its peak form or still gaining momentum?

— It's hard to say. I think we should improve with every game and become better in each match.