“We will have time to recover to the derby with CSKA”: what did the players and coaches say after the match between Spartak and Tun

The capital's Spartak secured its participation in the playoff round of the Europa League qualification. The metropolitan team in their field in Tushino beat the Swiss “Thun” with a score of 2: 1. Despite the defeat, the main mentor of the guests, Mark Schneider warmly thanked the host side for the warm welcome, and also gave his assessment of the two-match confrontation.

“They started well, a quick goal helped us, but then they began to make mistakes and lose the ball. With a rival like Spartak, this is simply not permissible. As I said earlier, they are the favorites in our pair, so they absolutely go further, ”the Swiss specialist noted.

In addition, Schneider admitted that he, like the whole team, was struck by the conditions in which the metropolitan team plays.

“We did not feel the difference in the quality of the field, but the atmosphere at the match will really be remembered for a long time. This can only be seen in two stadiums in Switzerland. Thanks to the fans of Spartak for helping us feel the atmosphere of great European football. Playing with such an entourage is a special pleasure, ”the Tuna coach told reporters.

Schneider also told how the team was preparing for the return match, and noted that the quick goal scored during the first half was part of a large tactical plan developed specifically for Spartak.

“They tried to load the flanks with work and launch attacks from there. We had two great moments when the cutting feeds passed. When we went to Moscow, we understood that we would not have a chance for many goals, so we squeezed the maximum out of what we managed to do, ”the Swiss mentor revealed the secrets.

At the same time, according to Schneider, he did not prepare any schemes to neutralize the midfielder of Muscovites Zelimkhan Bakaev. Spartak midfielder in the first match was marked by a double, but the return meeting was held without his active actions.

“We did not focus on playing against Bakaev. Yes, he has a very good left leg, which we did not know about before the first match. Today, it seems, we managed to prevent him a little, but again, we did not prepare for him personally. Spartak is strong as a team, and we knew about it when we flew to Moscow, ”concluded Schneider.

After talking with reporters, the chief mentor of Tuna lingered in the press conference hall to congratulate Oleg Kononov on his victory. Only after a firm handshake did the German specialist leave the stadium.

“The main thing that won”

The head coach of Spartak Oleg Kononov was pleased with the actions of his wards. The mentor spoke about the tactics for the match and pointed out the mistakes made by his wards in the first minutes of the meeting.

“The most important thing is that we won and went further. Yes, we did not succeed in the starting segment. It was clear that the “Tun” was tuned in precisely to quickly score. We were not able to contain these starting attacks. Then we were able to calm down, enter the game and start creating moments that led to the desired result, ”Kononov said.

A portion of criticism from journalists went to Muscovite midfielder Reziuan Mirzov. Journalists insisted that his replacement was requested immediately after the break, but Kononov himself did not agree with this statement.

“During the break, I personally spoke with Reziuan. I know his character, I know what he is capable of, which is why he gave me the opportunity to stay in the game. What you’ve led to, you’ve seen for yourself - he almost scored himself, or rather, gave Andre an assist, ”the specialist explained.

At the same time, Kononov did not deny that the midfielder had not yet scored his optimal conditions.

“If you noticed, with us all players know how to play one to one. All modern football is built on this. Yes, we need to work on the transfer, but he is capable of this. It's just that he, like many others, is still adapting, ”said the coach.

After analyzing the game, Mirzova Kononov spoke about the role of Lorenzo Melgarejo. The Paraguayan footballer has lost his place in the starting lineup, however, according to the coach, with due regard to the matter, he has every chance to regain his former position.

“We had a serious conversation with Lorenzo. We have found common ground. I expect further progress from him. Now, by his behavior and attitude towards the case, he shows that he understood what I want from him, ”he said.

In addition, the Spartak mentor said that victory was achieved thanks to the correct analysis of the opponent.

“We worked seriously, paid attention to the mistakes that were made in Switzerland. In addition, they understood that they would play liberally in our arena. We analyzed the whole team, each of the players. The average level for Europe, well prepared physically, ”explained the specialist.

“We will manage to recover to CSKA”

Muscovite captain George Dzhikia was in agreement with the coach. The defender acknowledged the mistakes made in the first half, and thanked goalkeeper Alexander Maksimenko for a confident game.

“The most important thing is that we won and went on. Everything is fine, this was achieved. A quick goal against our goal knocked down plans. Then they calmed down, got together and slightly adjusted the game. After the first goal there was confidence, they had to score at home, they acted in a concentrated manner. The attackers were missed a couple of times, but Maksimenko saved us today, he is a real hero, ”said the captain of the red-white.

In addition, Jikia noted that the busy schedule is good for his team. On Monday, “Spartak” in the sixth round of the RPL will host the capital CSKA.

“We will have time to recover to CSKA, I’ll go to rest now, sleep, get ready. It is better to play all the time, to be in good shape, with frequent matches we have gained a good rhythm. It is very good that we play, there will be no fatigue, ”the defender admitted.

The captain was supported by the forward of Spartak Esekiel Ponce. The Argentinean admitted that he did not get tired of frequent games and flights, and also told how Spartak managed to turn the tide of the past meeting.

“During the break, Kononov simply said that you need to play your football, enjoy the game and win. We tried to do it. Step by step, we are going to show the game that the coach wants to see. We ourselves want this, we perfectly understand why we are here and what our tasks are. Today we have proved that we are able to play and are able to make a result, ”Ponce explained to reporters.