Russian national team manager Stanislav Cherchesov answered questions from journalists at a press conference before the national team’s workout at Groupama Arena in Budapest on Sunday.
— What can you say about preparations to the match against Hungary?
— We took Hungary’s performance into consideration and kept that in mind during preparations to the match. We watched their matches against Sweden and Switzerland. We are sufficiently informed and ready to the match.
— How was the squad affected by Dzyuba’s departure?
— Health condition does not allow Dzyuba to play. Bukharov has a similar constitution to that of Dzyuba, so we did not have to take any special measures in that respect. But we did try to sketch certain combination moves.
— There are only two weeks left before the Confederations Cup kicks off. What do you expect of your team?
— We are impatient and optimistic about the two test matches which are to reveal are advantages and shortcomings. We are confident that our efforts will pay off.
— You have 27 players in your squad at the moment. The final squad must be submitted on the 7th of June. When are you going to name those who stay out?
— We have a match in Budapest yet to play and a few training sessions before the decision is made. We lost two players even before the camp and one as the camp was in progress. So we better keep from hastily made conclusions. Kombarov has certain issues and his appearance in match against Hungary is still a question. Bukharov and Kudryashov also have certain difficulties. There are 10 days left before our first match at the Confederations Cup and anything can happen any moment. A player who does not make it to the final squad today can be there in a week. And we will have at least one additional player off the squad to keep training with us.
— Hungarian national team manager said that he will let younger players make their appearances in the match. Do you find this confusing?
— Players would not have known that if you did not tell. And even if my colleague said that it does not necessarily have to be like that. Finally, our team also has many players who are making their first steps in the national team. We are not guided by the rival team’s lineup, but by our own objectives.
— How would you evaluate the performance of younger players: Zobnin, Miranchuk, Golovin?
— We do not invite players because they have room to grow. Zobnin and Miranchuk have been with the team from day one. We also had Kutepov and we have Dzhikia now. Golovin was invited a few times before but could not join the squad before of injuries. Now we have him with us. They are easy to perceive tactical matters. And they appear to be on equal terms with other players. It is not ‘young’ and ‘old’ on the pitch, it is about ‘good’ and ‘bad’.
— Which result will you be pleased by on Monday?
— Naturally, we want to win and that is the reason why we appear on the field. We performed a certain amount of work and the results must be visible tomorrow. Players are aware of that. We are anticipating a difficult match and Russian national team will have to do its best.
— Where did you watch the Champions League final and did you find the result surprising?
— I watched the opening 15 minutes with the entire squad. Then we left with the coaching staff. Players need to feel relaxed at times so we decided to leave them alone.
— Does Akinfeev still suffer from hill problems?
— He has been training hard for four days now. I am confident that he is not going to have any problems.
— Do you think Samedov and Akinfeev feel themselves comfortable as national team leaders?
— You feel yourself comfortable if everything happens naturally. And you don’t if it happens by command.
