The Russian national team has opened a new chapter in its history, led by the new coach Velimir Petković, they played the first qualifying match for EURO 2022 against Ukraine (27:27).
A difficult match was expected, we could have won and I thought we would win hard, with a goal or two difference. There were opportunities, but the last attack was a combination that we never played and prepared.
Why was the second tactical idea chosen in the last attack?
Zeppelin does not guarantee a goal. I asked them to play like that, but the players made a decision and of course they wanted the best. I asked for a time-out, to spend time so that the opponent would not have the last attack. If the combination passed, the players would be heroes and winners, this is a good school for us in the future.
Have you felt the tension in the relations between Russia and Ukraine?
I want to say that we prepared well for this match, we analyzed them well. But I would like to see more passion in our game. The Ukrainians demonstrated very selfless handball, they played collectively, they fought with all their strength, we did not have that much commitment
Did you play without a few players?
Yes, we were left without a few players, but even in this situation, the Russian national team could have won. somewhere there was not enough precision, somewhere the ball hit the frame of the goal instead of the goal, etc. I think that more passion and desire could make up for all these unsuccessful moments and bring us two instead of one point.
In addition to the results, are you happy that you made your debut after a long wait on the bench of the Russian national team?
You cannot be satisfied if a woman achieves a goal. I liked the first half, the team was moving well, it fulfilled all the goals of the professional staff. I was not satisfied with fulfilling the tasks in defense. We will watch the game, analyze everything, concentrate on our mistakes and fix everything that needs to be done.
How much did the team meet your expectations?
What can a coach expect from a team after four days of working together. It is unlikely that we will play beautiful handball. So I wanted a tough win with a minimal advantage. Ukraine is a serious team, but we had to win! In handball, luck is usually on the side of the team that is desperately fighting on the field and giving its maximum. That is why we have to play with great desire and fire in our eyes, concluded Petković
