Many of the Russian Premier League leaders suffered defeats this past gameweek. How surprising were the defeats suffered by CSKA, Zenit and Rubin?
— Rubin was beaten by FC Krasnodar, which promoted to the Premier League only this season and is currently placed in the second half of the table. As for CSKA and Zenit, they were performing against teams that are struggling for top places in the league. The 4-0 score is obviously slightly discouraging, but Dynamo Moscow is performing steadily during the entire season and the victory did not come as surprise. I attended the game Lokomotiv Moscow vs Zenit St.Petersburg myself. And if Zenit enjoyed success in the first half when Lokomotiv performed somewhat timidly, everything changed in the second half when the home side recovered and scored two more. Judging by game development in the second half, this was a deserved victory for Lokomotiv. So CSKA and Zenit were beaten by strong opponents who did not have their final say this season.

— Why do you think CSKA let Dynamo feel so comfortable on field?
— Dynamo have lately been quite comfortable on field and performed fresh anywhere. Another reason is that many players from Rubin, Zenit and CSKA appeared for their nationals. The break in the championship for national team games may have a relaxing psychological impact upon these teams. Because just too many goals were scored.
— Leonid Slutsky did not introduce any changes to the defense compared to the last game. Did you not have a feeling that defenders were staying too close to their goalkeeper Chepchugov?
— Slutsky did not have much options in this situation. As for Chepchugov, coming in as a substitute and honing real preparations to a game are absolutely different things. He fell under certain pressure this time. It is quite natural for a young goalkeeper who appears in such a high profile game. It was not his fault about goals that Dynamo scored, but goalkeeper must definitely save such games. Teams like Dynamo will have scoring opportunities anyway and these have to be denied.
— Based on the game results in Cherkizovo, can one assume that Lokomotiv came to terms with their new coach?
— There are positive elements already. You may have noticed that goals were scored by players who joined the team during the most recent transfer window. I was anticipating the game because Lokomotiv so far did not perform against any top clubs which was leaving certain questions unanswered. Lokomotiv failed the first half, but the second was definitely a success. An early goal made players realize there are chances still. Another point is that Malafeev did not always perform confidently which led to the goals.

— Rubin did not cope with Krasnodar in away game and missed three goals. What are your impressions of the game?
— Thegamestartedwithasomewhatmisappropriatepenaltykick. Itlookedliketheballhittheplayer’shandoccasionally. Krasnodar could focus more on defend after 1-0 lead was taken. And then Rubin did not perform their best game. Credit should also go to Krasnodar players who blocked any advantages that Rubin have and made the best of their own abilities.

-Spartak Moscow beat Amkar Perm in away game with the only goal. What can you say about this game? Was it a satisfactory result for Valery Karpin?
— Perm is a difficult place to play for all teams. You just can’t go with fireworks. The goal came after a free kick and both teams performed equally. As Karpin said, the game did not satisfy anybody, but Spartak took the victory. He was right saying that the game did not produce a good impression at all. It was the goalkeeper’s fault that Parekha scored free kick into the corner he was blocking.
— Numerous goals is what makes fans happy and coaches troubled. What conclusions shall be drawn by Slutsky, Spalletti and Berdyev after these games?

— If there were no goals, everybody would be taking about low scoring results. Games can be different but defeats suffered by CSKA and Zenit before opening games in the Champions League are indeed worrying.
— Do you think these negative results may produce any impact upon international performances?
— I believe this is going to be a positive impact. Both teams got a slap on their face which will keep them focused. Each coach tells certain details to players, but it does not always reach players. The clubs now shall get focused because mistakes like that are not to be forgiven at the Champions League level. I am confident that CSKA and Zenit will draw their conclusions and we will see mobilized and motivated for the international success.