Oleg Leontyev: «It is what it is»

28.08.2024

Neftekhimik head coach Oleg Leontyev talks about the game against Metallurg Mg.

– There were a lot of penalties during the first, which is why the game was mostly played in our zone. Nevertheless, we were able to create three or four scoring chances. In the second, the game became equal, the game was tied up. Unfortunately, we did not finish the third period. I do not know how the game would have ended. It is what it is.

– To what extent did you intend to arrange rotation during the tournament? To what extent did you want to use the players as much as possible during this tournament?
– The season is coming. There should already be a stable lineup, the main roster players should be playing. It is clear that Magnitka is considered a VHL club. Therefore, we can adjust the lineup a little. In our time, there was no concept of "reserves". The main roster players played. Therefore, for me now this is unusual.

– It seemed that the young guy, Joey-Christophe Muissu, came out almost every other shift. Including you trust him with special team moments. Were you so impressed by the guy?
– In the first period, we spent ten minutes in the minority. That's why our special team players "got their fill". Because of that, during the second period, naturally, we gave more playing time to the guys who didn't play much. We try to distribute the same playing time for everyone. That's how we planned to introduce young players, to see what they are capable of.

– Nevertheless, Mouissou debuted in the MHL last season. It felt like he was "raw" last season in the youth team, but now it's completely different. To what extent have you followed his progress?
– I think that players aged 17-18 should develop in the MHL. Because there is no point in marinating in the youth team for four years. I think it's a big step for a hockey player when he moves from children's hockey to adult hockey at the age of 18-19. I think Christoph can progress. He is coordinated, balanced. His thinking is suitable for the adult level. Yes, there are childhood mistakes, but experienced players make them too. I think he will progress and will join our team.

– It feels like Nikita Khlystov has raised his game to a more serious level over the last couple of seasons.
– We work. Everyone who joins our team improves their results. This is how we reveal our players. I am glad that Nikita has revealed himself. Because he has talent. And as a person, he is decent. I like people who play hockey honestly. Maybe he didn't succeed somewhere. But I still believe that he will progress.

– What was your first reaction when Andrei Razin took his team to the locker room? And do you remember the last time that happened?
– A long time ago. There were such situations before. Now, to be honest, I can't remember. The reaction... A decision was made by the opposing coach.

– Have you reviewed the moment with the body check? Can you say whether it was a game moment?
– The player lowered his head as soon as he found himself in the opponent's zone. For me, as a defender, the most convenient thing in such a situation is to make a body check. Good health to Vovchenko, but you can't lower your head on the blue line. Hockey is a tough game. There are a lot of body checks.

– At the beginning of the press conference, you said that in such games you need to play with your main lineup. How appropriate is such a body check at such a tournament?
– Vovchenko himself crashed into Abrosimov. Look again, there was no deliberate move on the part of our player. There was no penalty, just a body check.

– Last season, at the start of the championship, the goalies weren't playing so reliably. How satisfied are you with them now in the preseason? And is there an understanding of who will be first at the beginning of the championship?
– We have three goaltenders. Each of them deserves to be first. Closer to the beginning of the season, we will see who of them will start the championship.

Back to the list