Yuriy Syomin: I am pleased with second-half play

Lokomotiv head coach Yuriy Syomin summarized the 1:1 draw in the match with Arsenal during the Premier League’s Gameweek 9.

- I am pleased with the second-half play. We braced up and played open football. As for the first half… In the last three games we pick ourselves up only after the break. We remain very passive. I believe it can be a mental thing. The lads want to effect a proper build-up without exposing themselves. The rivals just put many men behind the ball. On the other hand, we had opportunities against Arsenal – Henty should have scored. Portnyagin wasted three or four crosses. The team need to be more aggressive.

- Why didn’t you substitute Henty for Skuletic in half-time?

- I was afraid to make the swap right away. Many of our men played with injuries – Corluka and Fernandes were up in the air. But then I had to take the risk.

- You made five changes to the top eleven. Did you base the decision on training results, or was it meant as a message for ‘key’ players that no one is untouchable?

- Both. You put it all very well.

- What action did you take during the break?

- The team received the dressing-down – what else?