"A good, physically prepared team": Cherchesov and Miranchuk about the Hungarian national team, Cheryshev's uniform and the selection for the 2022 World Cup

Cherchesov: "I hope Denis will be more concentrated next time"

- Over the past week, the Russian national team played two matches - with the national teams of Sweden and Turkey - and in both they could not achieve victories.

Did you manage to draw conclusions?

- It was a very difficult, difficult and interesting match with Turkey.

Analyzed it.

The theory and fragments were not shown, we talked in general terms.

No time.

Yesterday we already looked at the future rival (Hungary. -

).

Today we will focus on it.

- In the last two matches your players scored three goals for the Hungarian national team

(in 2017, the Russians won 3: 0, in 2020 - 3: 2.

)

- We played at different times, in different states.

In 2017, we were preparing for the Confederations Cup, in 2020 there was a match within the League of Nations.

And another one is to come tomorrow.

I think Hungary is a different team, and we have changed.

I cannot call it a coincidence, but in both meetings we were better prepared and more successful.

On the one hand, we have already analyzed these games, and on the other, we put them aside.

Each new match is a new story.

We need to prepare for it.

- How would you assess the physical condition of the players at the moment?

- We have the third match in seven days.

We had a much more intensive meeting with Turkey than with Sweden.

Tomorrow's match will be no exception for us.

We will do our best to be at the same level.

- Veteran of the Russian national team Yuri Zhirkov spent on the field all 180 minutes in the last two games.

Is he ready to play with Hungary?

- Yes, Zhirkov is ready to spend another 90 minutes on the field.

- In the match with Turkey, the picture of the game changed after Leicester City midfielder Cengiz Under entered the field.

Does Hungary have a footballer who can also influence the course of the meeting?

- I agree with this statement.

We were preparing to play against Under from the first minutes, but he came out in the second half and made his own adjustments to the course of the meeting.

Hungary also has players who define the game, but I will not name specific names.

- Playing with Hungary is important both in terms of playing in the League of Nations and fighting for a higher place in the FIFA rankings ahead of the draw for the qualification of the 2022 World Cup.

What is of utmost importance to you?

- We keep in mind both that and that.

The situation is indicated and understandable, but no one thinks about it during the game.

The team prepares for the match based on the standings, but in the process focuses solely on the result.

- According to the former head coach of CSKA Valery Gazzaev, the Russian national team in the second meeting in a row does not show themselves in the best possible way by the substitute players.

- To some extent, I agree.

On the other hand, it is difficult to enter such a match when the opponent takes the initiative.

This is speaking about the game with Turkey.

Nevertheless, the footballers who appeared on the field did their bit.

- What experience has been gained from the situation with the coronavirus within the Russian national team?

- It is clear that we have a certain circle of candidates who apply for a place in the national team.

Often people drop out due to injury.

Now this situation is being added.

We need to take a broader view of things.

This is the case when we try to attract as many players as possible who can act in different positions without losing quality.

For example, Fedor Kudryashov can play both left and central defenders, Anton Miranchuk - left, central and right midfielders, Zelimkhan Bakaev and Daler Kuzyaev can perform in different roles.

We have previously taken this into account when recruiting the team.

Now it comes to the fore.

- In the last two matches, Denis Cheryshev started on the bench.

Is he ready to come out functionally at the base or play at least half?

- His condition is improving.

In the last match Cheryshev came on as a substitute not the way we wanted it.

We talked with him on this topic.

I hope Denis will be more focused next time and will be more useful.

On the other hand, he now has such a situation at the club.

He just recovered from injury.

In turn, we try to be as attentive as possible to our players, because we cannot throw them around.

But the player himself must enter the field and perform at the maximum of his capabilities.

It doesn't matter if he has a minute or a second.

Miranchuk: “Every self-respecting football player has thoughts about leaving for Europe”

- How is the preparation for the match with the Hungarian team going?

- We know this team.

Yesterday we took apart a little.

We will continue today.

We are ready to work 100%.

- In the match with Turkey you were replaced in the middle of the second half.

How would you rate your physical condition?

- There is still a day and a half to prepare.

I feel good.

We have recovered.

All perfectly.

- In recent matches, you regularly score, have a direct impact on the results of the Russian national team.

Do you already feel like one of the leaders of the national team?

- I would not say that.

I follow the coach's instructions.

Thank God it is paying off.

I'm very glad to be helping the team.

- What are the impressions left by the Hungarian national team after the first face-to-face meeting in the League of Nations?

- I won't say anything special.

A good, physically prepared team.

Everyone loves to play football, they try to do it.

A tough match ahead.

As Stanislav Salamovich said, we are preparing to give our all 100%.

- How does brother Alexei feel?

- All perfectly.

Every day in touch.

Waiting for the players to return after the national team matches.

He will prepare for the game against Napoli.

- Did your brother's departure to Atalanta become a personal motivation for you?

- Probably, many people think about it, but no.

I have already said that every self-respecting footballer has thoughts about leaving for Europe.

After all, he works for this.

I've always had them.

As for Alexei, I personally miss more.

I want to see him here and see what has changed in him.

- The Russian national team played the last matches in the presence of fans.

What are your impressions of the fans' return to the stands at the games of the national team and what are your expectations on Wednesday?

- Nowhere without spectators.

We play for them.

We are waiting for everyone.

It's nice to perform when you are supported.