“It pains us that we did not make a result”: Kononov on the relegation from the Europa League, mistakes and team building

The status of Oleg Kononov as head coach of Spartak from match to match is becoming increasingly important. Even before the starting whistle of the second leg against Braga, the 53-year-old specialist was in the focus of attention of photo and video cameras - at the moment when the teams took their places on the benches, several dozen lenses carefully recorded the emotions of the red-white mentor.

Kononov himself was already accustomed to such excitement around his person and began to behave on the edge much more confidently and relaxed than at the end of last season and the beginning of this.

The new image of Kononov remains unchanged - jackets, which fans of Muscovites so disliked, disappeared from the life of a specialist. For the match with Braga Kononov again chose trousers, a jumper and white sneakers, in which in the last month he suffered only one defeat, just from his current opponent.

As for the coach’s behavior, the habitually calm Kononov during the first half with emotions, facial expressions and gestures was in no way inferior to the expressive Portuguese counterpart Ricardo Sa Pinto. Mentor red-white spent the entire first half on his feet. Kononov actively controlled the team and pointed out errors to the players with amplitude movements.

Without emotion, he say?))) Pic.twitter.com/wv9cKXOwOg

The most difficult was midfielder Zelimkhan Bakaev, whom the coach spent about a minute and in a very emotional form pointed out errors.

But two goals, conceded at the end of the first half, knocked down the mood of the entire stadium - the stands were almost silent, emotions were eased at the coaching staff. Kononov now sat down in his place, then again took an observant position on the edge of the technical zone, but facial expressions and gestures by experts became restrained. The mood of the head coach did not change after the only ball performed by just Zelimkhan Bakaev. The midfielder heard all the comments of the mentor, but could not save his team from relegation from the Europa League.

“We must move on”

Kononov appeared at the post-match press conference a few minutes after the noisy celebration of Braga football players died down behind the wall of the press center. The head coach of Spartak did not hide his disappointment with the result and began by explaining the reasons for the defeat of his team.

“For us, for the public, this is a very serious loss. This is unpleasant ... As for the game, the first one started not bad. Created moments, could score. As a result, they did not use their achievements and missed two counterattacks, which led to goals. In the second half, they wanted to change the game on the flanks. For this reason, Soltmurad Bakaev appeared, who shows himself well on the flanks, and Zhano Ananidze, whose task was to control the central zone, ”Kononov explained.

According to the trainer, the negative result was largely affected by the busy schedule of Spartak.

“Our heavy schedule continues. Yes, we talk and work to ensure that every game guys are fresh. But physiology cannot be fooled. Fatigue causes defects in gears, and concentration is lost. Until it becomes easier. On Sunday, we play with Zenit, - the coach told reporters.

At the same time, the head coach emphasized that, despite the loss, he was satisfied with the dedication of the team.

“I have no complaints about the players. They gave all their strength. Everything that is at the moment, ”the expert expressed his opinion.

After the assessment put up by Kononov, the journalists reminded the coach that not only Spartak, but also Braga were playing in several tournaments at once. However, the specialist countered this statement and focused on the fact that, unlike the opponent, who has a stable roster, Spartak is only looking for its game.

“Before the first match, Braga had a day more rest. We flew to Portugal after a difficult match with CSKA. In addition, they made ten substitutions in the composition following two meetings. We are only five. In addition, we are building a new team. Gus Thiel and Jordan Larsson, who have already begun to define our game, do not play. So make your own conclusions, ”he said.

According to reporters, the coach made a mistake by betting on midfielder Reziuan Mirzov. Reporters asked Kononov to explain why he continues to release it.

“I will not speak individually about the players. Analysis of all the mistakes made by the player, he will hear only. We will work, analyze. Shifting blame on one is wrong. Football is a team game, so this is our common misfire, first of all mine, ”said the specialist.

In addition, Kononov said that the transfer campaign of the red and white will continue. Muscovites are looking for reinforcement in the support zone, which, according to the head coach, is the most problematic.

“Since we are rebuilding the team, we need high-level players. We form a team according to certain principles. So there will be football players that we will acquire. But I do not want to name their names. In addition, there are those who leave us. We are in the process of restructuring, but most importantly: I like what is happening inside. Self-giving, microclimate. Yes, it hurts us tonight because we didn’t make a result. But we need to move on, ”the coach summed up.