How did the international break affect the team? Is everyone ready for the match in Kazan?
“International breaks always bring challenges to the coaching staff as some of the players receive more playing time, some receive less. Don’t forget about flights too. The players’ condition makes it a little more difficult for us too since some of them return only one or two days before the match. It’s part of our job to deal with this though and you can’t do anything about it. Some of the players have small injuries, but the only footballer who is currently out is Andrey Mostovoy, though hopefully he will be back soon. Everyone else is getting ready for the match, including Rodrigão who is training with the team already.”
Wilson Isidor joined the team recently. What can you say on his physical condition and will he be able to play against Rubin?
“He is ready to play, but we will make the decision regarding the amount of playing time based on the tests we had. He missed some time, therefore he is a little bit out of the usual schedule, but he seems to be fine in terms of his fitness. I think he is ready to play, the only question is how much.”
Are you content with the results of this transfer window?
“I am, more or less. We’re managing. The players who left were important for us, and those who joined can’t fully replace them yet, so there are some aspects we have to work on. Some things have changed, but we’re going to keep working in the conditions we’re in right now.”
It’s going to be the first match against Rubin in a year and a half. What do you think of the opponent?
“They’re an experienced team that signed a couple more players to make them even stronger. They’re a tough opponent as they play well on their home ground and know how to take advantage of the set-pieces. Overall they’re strong team that is good at tackles and that maintains the level of intensity. I think it’s never easy for other teams to play in Kazan.”
Are all of the called-up players back? Mikhail Kerzhakov didn’t play in a single match, what do you think about that?
“Regarding the second question, you should ask Mikhail. As for us, we’re obligated to let the players join their national teams when they’re being called up. Mikhail is currently back and he is getting ready for the upcoming match, just like everyone else. Everyone is back, some of the players are training, some of them are recovering, but they’re all here.”
Rubin signed a few players on the last days of the transfer window. Can it affect their match against Zenit in any way?
“I don’t know, it’s going to be the decision of their manager after he analyzes their condition. Generally they have skilled, quality players, and the question on how ready they are to play now is for Rubin’s coaching staff. They know what their players are capable of, and we’re also familiar with some of them. I think the decision will be made on the day of the match.”
