Timur Khairullin: «We need to work on it»
03.01.2026
Neftekhimik defenseman Timur Khairullin speaks with the media after a following 1–2 loss against Sochi.
– It was a tough game. We started off well, playing aggressively and scoring an early goal. However, after the penalty, our play fell apart a bit. The second period wasn't particularly successful for us – we conceded two goals... We tried to come back, but we weren't able to capitalize on our goal–scoring chances throughout the game. Yes, we create a lot of chances, but we're not always able to take advantage of them. We need to work on it.
– What happened in the second period? Did it seem like the game changed a bit after Belozyorov and Pastukhov left?
– It's hard to say. We didn't seem to slow down. Sochi, increased their aggression and started shooting more. And we, correspondingly, sometimes couldn't get out of our zone and didn't get the puck out. That's probably why we slowed down a bit and conceded two goals.
– Defensemen don't score that often. You scored two goals in last five games...
– It's hard to say why. I just try to play according to my coach's instructions: join in on the attack when I have the chance, and when I don't, I try to play strictly defensively and aggressively. Every goal brings joy when the team wins...
– What were we missing today to win?
– Three goals and taking advantage of goal–scoring chances.
– What happened in the second period? Did it seem like the game changed a bit after Belozyorov and Pastukhov left?
– It's hard to say. We didn't seem to slow down. Sochi, increased their aggression and started shooting more. And we, correspondingly, sometimes couldn't get out of our zone and didn't get the puck out. That's probably why we slowed down a bit and conceded two goals.
– Defensemen don't score that often. You scored two goals in last five games...
– It's hard to say why. I just try to play according to my coach's instructions: join in on the attack when I have the chance, and when I don't, I try to play strictly defensively and aggressively. Every goal brings joy when the team wins...
– What were we missing today to win?
– Three goals and taking advantage of goal–scoring chances.
