Nikolic: We have problems with discipline on the pitch
Lokomotiv head coach Marko Nikolic summed up the defeat to Dynamo (1:5) in the Gameweek 14 of the Russian Premier League.
- Congratulations to Dynamo on the victory. They deserve it. We did everything the way we shouldn't. We conceded in the first minutes, conceded with ten men on the field when Smolov was injured. We got a red card, were able to return to the game at the end of the first half, but earned a second sending off - and that was the end.
- After Atletico you said that you hope to see the same energy from the players. Are you satisfied with players’ commitment?
- I never publicly criticize my players. They have the desire, but there were many games when there was not enough concentration. Many people confuse desire and concentration.
- Lokomotiv didn't have enough emotions after Atletico?
- Emotions and desire are not the same thing. Concentration is about discipline. The team always has desire and emotions, but it is obvious that it lacks concentration and discipline.
- Have you noticed any changes in Dynamo's game under Schwarz?
- Their formation has changed. We prepared well. It is difficult to speak after such result. We conceded in the first minute, conceded the second goal, when we were preparing Smolov's replacement, then there was a red card. We returned to the game, but after the second sending off it was tough. The match ended when Dynamo had ten players and we had nine.
- Lokomotiv lost three matches in a row. What are the reasons for these defeats?
- It is clear that the schedule is difficult, but I do not want to talk about it. You need to prepare for a new game every two to three days. We have no problems with desire and emotions, but we have problems with staying focused as games are every two to three days. When you lose concentration, you lose discipline, mistakes happen, you concede stupid goals and you don’t get the necessary result. We have very big problems with concentration and discipline.
- Will Rajkovic face any sanctions?
- No. All errors on the pitch are related to each other. If the first position is wrong, the second and third will be wrong as well - a chain of errors begins.
