"We want to enter the RPL directly and not bring it to the transition matches"
The players of the Moscow Torpedo are one step away from returning to the RPL. After Saturday's 1-0 away win over Sochi, they almost secured second place in the Russian First League championship draw, giving them the opportunity to directly qualify for the elite division. For final success, they need to at least draw at home with KAMAZ from Naberezhnye Chelny in the last round on May 24.
In an interview with Izvestia, one of the team's leaders, defender Sergei Borodin, explained the team's success and shared his opinion about his former club Krasnodar's fight for gold in the RPL.
— What is the reason for such uneven results this spring?
— Most likely, because they are very close to achieving their goal. But the competitors are close, so every match is very nervous. For example, we haven't won at home for a very long time — only a week ago, for the first time since the autumn part of the season, we did it with great difficulty, beating Shinnik (1-0). The tournament position is such that there is no room for error. But I am glad that at the same time we remain in second place. The competitors also lost points somewhere, which helped us. But we don't look at them — we just tune in to each of our matches. Now we only need to win one game, and the goal will be achieved.
— Torpedo has won a lot with a minimum score this season, often getting wins or draws with goals in the last minutes of matches. How did you manage to get to the point where you are one step away from joining the RPL?
— At the expense of team unity. Through discipline and dedication.
— Can we say that we jumped over our heads?
— No, everything is natural, everything is on the case. We didn't pay attention to what the competition had, we started from our game and went after the victory in every match. It doesn't matter if it's a recent trip to the leading Baltic (1-0) or a home match with Shinnik in the second half of the table. Everywhere, they tried to act strictly on the defensive and look for their chances at other people's gates, playing every episode and every match from start to finish.
— In your opinion, is Torpedo ready for the RPL? How much will it be necessary to strengthen the squad for the Premier League if you join it?
— We will draw some conclusions at the end of the season. So there's no excitement right now. We are preparing for the next game — there is only one meeting left. We will do everything to win it and solve the problem. We want to go directly to the RPL and not bring it to the transition matches, so we need to beat KAMAZ. And then we'll see if we're ready for the RPL or not. And whether we really need to strengthen somehow.
— How would you rate Krasnodar's chances of winning the championship?
— I would really like him to win gold. Krasnodar deserves it with their game, their dedication. Sergey Nikolaevich Galitsky deserves it especially for everything he has done for the club as the owner. I wish him personally and the whole team good luck. A year ago, they were also close to the championship, but they almost got unlucky in the last round. I hope it works out now. The club has done a great job — both the management, the coaching staff, and the players. Thanks to this, they are in the lead just before the end of the season. I would like to wish them to pick up the trophy.
— Looking forward to the matches with Krasnodar in the RPL?
— When we finish the season, then we will discuss the RPL and the matches with Krasnodar. For now, let's let go of this topic and the topic of Krasnodar's championship. The main thing is that we get into the Premier League directly. I wish Krasnodar to win the championship on May 24, but we have our own tasks on this day with Torpedo — we need to finish the job in the first league.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
