Portnyagin: I hope this defeat will make us stronger
Lokomotiv forward Igor Portnyagin summed up the match against Ufa (0:1) during his visit to the #OurCherkizovoLIVE studio.
- I am still gaining form. My senses tell me it gets better game after game. Lokomotiv have different demands, and the training intensity is different. I wish we had converted the penalty and won the match today, but this is life.
- What went wrong with that penalty?
- Nemanja drove a crisp shot - the opposing keeper was excellent, too. If you stand by, penalties seem easy to convert but... Ufa did not get a single shot on target, yet they came out on top. I hope this will make us stronger, though.
- How do you assess Lokomotiv in terms of class?
- Loko is a bunch of performers. Trainings develop mutual understanding.
- You and Skuletic feature in similar roles on the pitch. What is your asset in this rivalry?
- I am motivated by good competition. I fully apply myself in each training session.
- How does it feel after the debut match at our ground?
- Feels great, at the same time I am sorry the fans had to leave unhappy. Lokomotiv stadium is one of those grounds which have historical importance for Russian football. I remember coming to Cherkizovo with friends when I was 14. We sneaked inside to watch a game. Eventually guards led us out.
