- Have you been following the previous Gagarin Cup tournament? Perhaps you noticed some new trends in the KHL?
- I won't be the first to discover this, it's evident to anyone who follows hockey - the league is getting younger, there is more movement, more speed. The entertainment factor is only growing from this.
- Were you surprised that Metallurg, with its young players in leading roles, defeated the systematic and solid Salavat Yulaev in the finals? Does this mean that a defensive style of play in the KHL is becoming a thing of the past?
- I watched the final games - they were neck and neck, equal hockey, and in all four games, the goal difference was only one goal. Yes, Magnitka won, but Yaroslavl also played very well, I liked it. An attacking style of hockey contributed to the victory - you can't play the whole season in this style, balance is needed.
- They talked about your plans to introduce an attacking style of play to the team, and it seems to be working. Can we say that last season's Metallurg is a prototype for Neftekhimik and a model for you and your team?
- Probably, it turns out that way. Magnitka has always played an attacking style, and we try to act in a similar way. It appeals to both spectators and players, it adds spice to hockey. Why do people come to the stands? To see goals, not 1-0 and a retreat to deep defense. We will strive to play entertaining hockey.
- Speaking about the playing style of teams, in the last two seasons, "Torpedo", "Severstal", "Spartak", and the same Magnitka have caught the attention of fans and experts. Is it appropriate to put Neftekhimik on the same level as these teams in terms of playing style?
- I think so, we try to play the same way as these clubs and will continue to do so. Currently, there is a certain trend towards an attacking style, and I believe that its future - watching such hockey, such a championship will always be interesting. - said the head coach of Neftekhimik, Oleg Leontyev.
