Viktor Skrypnyk: “We were the better team in this game”

Viktor Skrypnyk, head coach of Luhansk’s “Zorya,” on the cup match against “Kryvbas”:

-We played to a draw today. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to win in the penalty shootout. I always say that penalty shootouts are an integral part of soccer. People become world champions by winning on penalties.

We controlled the game. We created chances and scored a goal. We were the sharper team. I wish we’d converted more of our chances—at least the ones we had in the second half.

I hope this loss won’t affect us and that we’ll continue to pick up points in the league.

-We have a game against “Epicenter” on Monday. Will there be enough time to recover mentally?

-Time will tell. But our schedule right now is the same as that of most teams around the world. We’re focusing on ourselves, preparing, and recovering.

-Was today’s rotation planned?

-It would be pointless to always play with the starting lineup everywhere. You can’t expect the maximum from them afterward. That’s why teams have 25 players—to give everyone a chance.

Those of you who took the field today played well. We were the better team in this match.