Larionov explains SKA's defeat

After the defeat to Lokomotiv, SKA coach Igor Larionov spoke in detail about the team«s situation, touching on gameplay moments, long goal drought, personnel changes in the coaching staff, as well as issues of personal responsibility and control.

Significance of the Match

«Today is a very important day for the city, for our country. These are not lofty words. This match was dedicated to those people who withstood, who survived, who did not break and showed an example of resilience. We wanted the same from our team, but, unfortunately, we failed to please the fans with a victory. To be honest — it»s sad.«

Lack of Required Mindset

«It seemed like something was going well, but no more than that. That effort, that desire, that passion was lacking today. Not for all players. You see hockey, you watch the game, you draw conclusions — we do the same. We analyze internally, watch, and try to understand what»s happening.«

Reasons for Lack of Goals

«After the second period, I said: we already have over a hundred minutes without scored pucks. Why? In order to score, you need to want to be where it»s dangerous. In the slot, in the zone where there is a threat. Where you need to push through, work with your legs, engage in work ethic. This is what«s missing. And when this isn»t there — there won«t be any goals.

You can play beautifully, if we talk about aesthetics, but the whole game should be where pucks are scored. We talk about this every day — before the match, during breaks. But if you play far from the goals, there won«t be any goals. It»s impossible.«

Dealing with Opponent«s Defense

«We knew that the opponent plays a sticky defense. We talked about it. We asked for more shots, because everything that reaches the goal is always dangerous — ricochets, rebounds, follow-ups. When playing against such a team, sometimes you need to simplify the game and just get the puck to the goal. Unfortunately, either they don»t hear, or they can«t, or someone is under pressure.»

Psychological Aspect

«This team needs to rise from the bottom. From the psychological bottom specifically. We need to understand which players want to move forward, who are ready to give effort, desire, passion, thirst for struggle. And if not — we will invite young guys who will show that they want and can help. If they are ready to come out with burning eyes and do their job — why not give them a chance?»

Changes in the Coaching Staff

«The decision was made by the management. It»s fair, because the team is losing and is in a turbulent zone. This is done to shake up the team. Boris Mironov — a person with great experience, both as a player and as a coach. Today was his first match, getting acquainted with the team. He just arrived.«

Comment on Rumors

«I»ve long understood that you shouldn«t always believe what»s written. We«re always being sent somewhere or someone is being sent to us. Let»s not speculate on that. Better to analyze the match and move forward.«

Question About Keeping the Post

«Whether I fear dismissal or not — you know, that»s a decision that doesn«t depend on me. So you try to do your job honestly every day. And what will be tomorrow — nobody knows. You can say anything now. I can take responsibility and say: yes, the team is losing, yes, I»m a bad coach, and so on. But that«s not the case.

You can change the coach, assistants, fire mentors — call it whatever you want. But the players who go out on the ice must do their job honestly and give their maximum. You can lose — no problem. But if you don«t see passion, you don»t see desire — it«s noticeable, probably to you. And especially to us, coaches.»