Andrei Talalaev, the head coach of Baltika, addressed the team’s recent performances following their 1-0 loss to Lokomotiv in the 29th round of the Russian Premier League. The Kaliningrad side has now gone seven matches without a win.
“We understand that we haven’t fully finished the season as we would have liked. At least I feel that way, and the club management shares the same sentiment. I just spoke with them about it. Regarding this specific match, we didn’t plan to press Lokomotiv. We wanted their new defender to have more possession. Then we had to adjust our formation as the game took a different turn. I disagree that this match shows we are exhausted. From the 62nd minute onward, we pressed, even with 10 tired players. We created opportunities from free kicks and throw-ins, trying to capitalize on set pieces, and it worked.
“After the Akron match, I was disappointed that the team failed to realize its potential. Today, we were close to our maximum level. The same goes for the season overall. Before opponents fully figured us out, we performed well. Looking at the spring segment, we beat CSKA, narrowly lost to Krasnodar, and had controversial decisions against Zenit.
“Obviously, we are dropping points. But the qualities these players show—perhaps I overvalue them—but for me, they are the best,” Talalaev said, as reported by Championat correspondent Ilya Nikulnikov.
After 29 matches, Lokomotiv sits third with 53 points, while Baltika is fifth with 46 points.
