Andrei Karpovich: We prepared very hard for this match and I’m glad that the result turned out the way we wanted

– I would like to congratulate all the fans on the victory! A difficult, but very necessary victory over such a difficult opponent. We prepared very hard for this match and I am glad that the result turned out the way we wanted. We pleased the fans, people left in a good mood. And my wife has a birthday today, so I wanted to congratulate her (smiles). It is doubly pleasant. The match was not easy. But it happens with such opponents. Astana is a top team, the only representative of the European Cup from the country, so the more prestigious to win such matches.

– In the first half, Aktobe sat up, and in the second half they were slightly ahead, but something did not work out in the interplay after your substitutions. What can you say?

– In the first half we started actively. We scored a goal, then there were some concerns, we sat low, gave the opponent the advantage, the territory. It was said at halftime. I personally did not like it. I told the guys that we need to add more. We led 1:0, but the playing left much to be desired. We tried to make adjustments, not everything worked out at once, but I think that Baitana came out well, scored the second goal important for calmness, so that there was no such nervousness. And at the end it was a matter of technique to bring the match to the desired result, which we managed to do and I am very grateful to the guys. There was a heavy emotional burden where we can not win away and the pressure is on the home matches. On the one hand the support of the fans, on the other hand the responsibility to the fans increases. I am glad that today we achieved the necessary victory. Everything depends on us.

– What’s Kybyray’s condition? In the second half it was as if he came out with an injury.

– Yeah, he had a bruise in the penalty shootout where he got hit in the thigh. It was a painful blow and not very comfortable to play with. He did well, played as long as he could and asked for a substitution, everything was professional. He also made a big contribution by earning a penalty. We are happy for everyone who took part in the game and those who did`t play, they create competition, microclimate. We are fine with it, this is the only way to achieve big victories.

– How is Arman Kenessov’s condition? He has been out in the second half lately.

– Just a competition, tactical things that we take apart and use strengths and weaknesses. Based on this, we decided on the lineup. Arman, like everyone else, is a very important player, a backbone player. Today he fulfilled a certain role, he played right midfielder and played confidently, calmly. And who plays how many times is another story. We need to see the training process, there are a lot of moments that are working details. We believe in everyone, that is the most important thing.