“Luzhniki” - the personification of the team ": Cherchesov and Dziuba about the match with Scotland, solving tournament problems and challenging Sobolev

“There is still ahead in our group”

Head coach of the Russian national team Stanislav Cherchesov spoke about the level of readiness of their players for the match with Scotland in the 7th qualification round for the 2020 European Championship in Group I. In addition, the mentor shared his opinion about the newcomer to the national team, striker “Wings of the Soviets” Alexander Sobolev.

- Why did the coaching staff decide to conduct the final training at the base in Novogorsk, and not at Luzhniki?

- A total of two hours drive to the stadium in both directions. We considered that it was impractical, breaking all plans. Moreover, we do not need to get acquainted with Luzhniki. Therefore, we decided to stay at the base.

- The Russian team had three days to prepare for the match with Scotland. In what physical condition do players approach this meeting?

- We had as much time as usual, nothing new. After the round, players sometimes come to the training camp with small sores, which we have to pay attention to, which we did. Therefore, now almost everyone trained in the general group. We have no problems.

- Are you satisfied with the psychological state of the wards?

- We had both theoretical classes and individual conversations, this is a normal situation. If the player wins, you need to talk with him, if you lose, so do. The clubs have their own requirements, the team has their own requirements, this is normal practice.

- The Russian team is in second place in group I. What are your challenges ahead of the match against Scotland?

- Our group is still ahead, because there are still four games to play in which you can gain or lose 12 points. It is clear that there is a standings, which, as they say, we have created for ourselves. But we are seriously preparing for each match, regardless of our position.

- How to evaluate the future opponent?

- We are preparing for a good, responsible match. But I would like to talk about my team, so let my colleague tell about him (the opponent represented by the Scottish national team. - RT ).

- What can you say about the newcomer to the national team Alexander Sobolev?

- It is difficult to draw any conclusions in two days. Today he passed another test for speed characteristics. Experience suggests that an extremely small number of players are revealed as a person and as an athlete after the first call. When he finally joins, it will be possible to judge. Time will tell, we are not rushing anyone.

• Cherchesov on the challenges facing the Russian team before the match with Scotland

"Russia in the class will not beat anyone"

Forward and captain of the national team Artyom Dziuba noted the importance of the home match for the national team players and said that the future opponent should not be underestimated.

- The match with Scotland will be held in the Luzhniki Stadium. How important is it for the team to return to this stadium?

- After the World Cup, we always keep in mind home matches. Luzhniki is not an ordinary stadium. This is the personification of the team. It always has a special atmosphere. I would like to urge all the fans to come to this match, as well as support us throughout the country at the TV screens. The 12th player has always played to our advantage. I hope, like on the world championship, they will again drive us forward. And then we can achieve the desired result.

- Do not you think that the greatest danger to the team is not Scotland as such, but your self-confidence in connection with the position in the table?

- It is interesting that the attitude of Scottish journalists reminds me of the situation with us before the World Cup. They have a very strong team that loves martial arts. It is even surprising that they lost in Kazakhstan, although it is not easy for everyone there because of the artificial field. Scottish footballers compete in Liverpool and Manchester United, and before the first match they were considered a favorite in our fight. But we got the better of them in Glasgow, and our opinions immediately changed. But we don’t look who is stronger and who is weaker, we respect any opponent and are ready to fight. After all, Russia is not Portugal, not Spain and the Netherlands, we will not beat anyone in the class. We have a task and we will solve it.

- Goalkeeper Andrei Lunev does not spend the best season of his career ...

“I would like to stand up for my comrade.” It’s a little incomprehensible to me where these conversations about psychological problems started from. His team missed the least in the championship of Russia, in the Champions League - won and tied. He shows a good level both in the national team, and in the “Zenith”. Therefore, I urge you to respect him a little more respectfully. He who does nothing is not mistaken, but to sit and shout that he does not catch ... So go and catch it yourself. Andrey is a good friend of mine, so such words upset me a little. If Stanislav Salamovich calls him, then he is worthy to be in the team.

• Dziuba about goalkeeper of the Russian national team Andrei Lunev

- Sobolev has already fully joined the team? Are you joking about his transfer to the European club?

- We have a good team, he will not have problems with this. Someone knows better, someone worse. But there were no special jokes, especially Alexander himself said that these were rumors. He needs to give some time to adapt, and then start joking. A football player should not feel jealousy or any other negative feelings. There is always time for jokes. But this is not the moment.