TRAKTOR vs. AK BARS – 2:3 SO. Press-conference after the match

Valery Belousov, Traktor head coach:
Tonight's match could have been a lot fiercer had it had any impact on the rankings. I asked the team to just go out there and play a good game. I think we did just that. Good thing there was no injuries, bad thing – terribly execution of penalty shots.

Valery Belov, Ak Bars head coach:
Congratulations to everyone on finishing the regular season! Tonight felt like an exhibition match, yet a great test for us before the playoffs. Traktor made us work really hard during shorthanded play.

Question to Belousov: Could it be argued that your assistants did not prepare the team well enough during the Olympic break?
Belousov: No. They did everything I would have done had I been in Chelyabinsk.

Question to Belousov: What Traktor lacked in last four matches to get into the playoffs?
Belousov: Goals. Goals win matches.

Question to Belousov: Are you leaving the team?
Belousov: My contract expires in April.

Question to Belousov: How will the team roster change for the Cup of Hope?
Belousov: Will it?

Question to Belousov: That means foreigners are going to play as well?
Belousov: Of course! Their contracts expire in April as well, they have to play.

Question to Belousov: Whose idea was appointing Kuznetsov as team captain?
Belousov: It was the team's decision.

Question to Belousov: Did you agree with it?
Belousov: Why wouldn't I?

Question to Belousov: Is Kuznetsov leaving?
Belousov: He only talked about it with me, not with the CEO. His contract expires in a month, but if they decide he can leave now, I will not be stopping him.