Today was another eventful day in terms of matches, two completely different games against Dubai City and Ural. Could you please say a few words on the results of these matches?
“Most importantly nobody got injured. Obviously, we faced two different teams today, but our aim was to give our footballers as much time on the pitch as possible, especially the players we’re counting on. It was a little bit too hot during the first match, and during the second one there were too many fouls, so unfortunately the game was very slow. Either way, we know the players’ condition, and we’re going to get ready for the next match as we’re leaving for it soon. Generally, our job at this training camp is done, and we’re going to come back to St. Petersburg through Iran.”
What is planned for the last few days in Dubai?
“Tomorrow we’re going to recover and the day after tomorrow there’s going to be one training session in the morning after which we’re flying to Isfahan.”
Have you been following Robert Renan in the Brazilian U20s national team? When are you expecting him to join you?
“We have, and we’re waiting for him to join us in St. Petersburg. He has to return to Brazil first, but then he’s going to fly to Russia in time for our first training session there.”
Talking about the match that has just ended, what would you say about interactions of the players in the midfield and in the attack?
“Speaking about defence, we played well today, except for the set-pieces, there were almost no chances near our goal. As for us playing in attack, we had a few chances, but the match wasn’t very fast-paced. The reason for it is that our players are a bit tired and the condition of some of them is still not the best. We understand that, and the guys needed to work on their fitness levels by playing in friendly matches. The game was totally fine, the defence was good, but our attacks have to be faster.”
The match against Sepahan in Iran is in a few days. What will be the key factor in forming the lineup? Are the players in better condition going to play?
“We’ll see. We have to know the condition Douglas is going to be in before the match. We’re going to evaluate everyone’s condition. We’ll analyze today’s matches to understand who is more ready. Generally, we have two objectives, to watch some of the players again and to get ready for the season to resume.”
The Cup match will take place in Ulyanovsk. Do you have any concerns that the pitch might not be in the best condition?
“We’ll see. We don’t know what condition the pitch is in. Its quality is important for the players, and I hope it will allow us to play football. I haven’t seen it yet, so I can’t say anything for now.”
