Oleg Leontyev: «The key things are psychology and experience»
09.01.2024
Neftekhimik Head Coach Oleg Leontyev speaks with the media after a following 3–5 loss against Traktor.
– We had played well in the first and second. We got a lead and played in a right way In the third, the opponent put pressure on us, forced us to make mistakes.
– What happened in the third?
– Traktor tried to tie the game up, some of our players could not cope with such pressure. This led to individual mistakes and conceded goals.
– Is there any kind of tiredness? You had a winning streak.
– Our average age is 25 years old, the oldest player is 30 years old. Seven people born in 2000 or younger. At 20 years old you can play a lot of hockey. The key things are psychology and experience.
– Question about the goaltender. Filipp has some kind of emotional pressure, especially, taking into account that he recently played in the VHL. Maybe it's time to let Dolganov have a rest?
– Filipp is a fighter. In every game he works for 200%. I think he should play in the net and improve..I believe in him, he helped us out a lot. Zagidulin and Dolganov is a good goaltending line
– How is Zagidulin’s condition?
– He is recovering and will be ready soon.
– Last year we played well at the end of the regular season.
– Yes, based on the situation, both in the last and this seasons, we have to do our best and get more points.
– Nikita Setdikov played great after Sibir. How did you help him?
– Everyone who comes here, according to statistics, always improves. Galimov for example, Klok and Knot signed contracts with Arizona Coyotes, Tuohimaa became an Olympic champion. The guys are having the best seasons of their careers, we give them a chance, trust and inspire, I hope we succeed. The coach's task is to help the player always be better and stronger.
– Question about Dea. It did not work out for him in Magnitogorsk. How would you evaluate the progress?
– A foreign player should be better in terms of performance, they have the highest contracts, they are counted on. I hope he will be better, I am sure he will. He is a very positive and decent guy. I am glad that he is on our team, he is great both in the locker room and on the ice. I am sure that everything will be fine.
