Baltika's head coach, Andrey Talalaev, has outlined his team's mindset ahead of their crucial Russian Premier League fixture against Lokomotiv Moscow. The match is scheduled for May 10th in the capital, marking the 29th round of the season.
Speaking on the Match TV broadcast, Talalaev acknowledged the challenge of playing away but stressed the importance of securing a positive result. He stated that the primary objective for his squad is to deliver a strong performance on the pitch and, consequently, earn valuable points in the standings.
The coach's comments come in the wake of a difficult period for Baltika, which has seen the team suffer two consecutive losses on their home turf. These defeats have clearly left a mark on the squad and its supporters. Talalaev expressed a sense of responsibility, noting that the team feels it owes its fans a better showing, especially after the recent setbacks.
He specifically referenced a surprising loss to Akron and a subsequent defeat by Rubin, results that were unexpected and have added pressure to the upcoming away fixture. Despite these challenges, the focus remains firmly on the task at hand against Lokomotiv.
The upcoming match carries significant weight in the league table. Baltika currently sits in fifth place with 46 points. Their opponents, Lokomotiv, hold a four-point advantage, making this direct encounter a pivotal opportunity for Baltika to close the gap and solidify their position in the upper half of the RPL standings.
Talalaev's message is clear: regardless of recent form, the team must approach the Lokomotiv game with the dual aim of playing attractive, effective football and converting that into the points needed to achieve their seasonal targets.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
