Konstantin Tyukavin: "If I manage to score against Spartak, it will be fantastic"

– The other day you took part in a training match that took place at the club base. How did the knee react to the load? What did the doctors say?

– Indeed, we had a two-way game, divided ourselves into two teams and played in a game form, with the referees, as in an official match. The knee reacted perfectly, everything is fine. There are no contraindications, I spent the whole match and now I feel great.

– What was the most difficult thing during these six months of rehabilitation?

– Now I can't remember what was the most difficult – so much time has passed. I don't want to go back to those memories. Probably the first week, or even a month after the operation, was the hardest. Firstly, I realized that I would not be able to play football and help the team in the next six months. The second is to go to the shower on crutches. I want to say thank you to the doctor of our team, Alexander Rodionov, and my wife, who helped me wash in the hospital, and also assisted in everything. In recent months, before entering the field, there was hard work in the gym and on the lawn itself, and the middle of rehabilitation flew by quickly.

– You have received words of support from many athletes and fans. What was the most unexpected and pleasant message?

– I remember all the messages with wishes, but there was nothing unexpected. It is clear that many people were worried, they wrote to me, called. Sasha Ovechkin supported, immediately wrote, also my family... in a word, everyone who could. The most important thing is that the team supported me, I went to the match in T–shirts, there were words of support on the screen, thank them very much. It helped me recover and distract myself.

– During this time you have given out many interviews, starred in a large number of commercials. How did you get this increased media activity?

– You can say that media activity has slightly pushed my injury and recovery to the background. I didn't really think about the knee, there were interviews, filming. In fact, everything was great, a joy, without too much. Everything was in moderation. The main thing is that it helped me at the rehabilitation stage, because I was more distracted from my "crosses".

– Recently, you and your spouse visited China. What struck you the most? Is this the most unusual country you've ever been to?

– Honestly, China is generally the top and the city of Chongqing, where we were. I can't imagine what's in other cities, but I liked Chongqing, everything was great there. Probably, except for the weather, since it was hot. Delicious food, interesting locations. Maybe I should have stayed there longer, but I liked everything so much. Alyona is delighted, I am delighted, plus, again, I was distracted from the injury. I don't know if I would have gone to China specifically – I didn't think about it, because we usually fly to the same places. And here's something new. It was great to walk and look at the city, and not drive a car.

– Were there any football aspects that could be improved during the forced absence? Or which have been emphasized in recent months?

– There is no such that I delve into something. Maybe in some ways I have improved myself, my psychology, the way I play. Maybe I became more professional in terms of warm-up, gym, because I spent a lot of time in the gym. Sometimes it even cheers me up and I want to rest (smiles), but I understand that for the prevention of injuries and my knee, working in the gym is an obligatory part. Nowhere without it.

– After such injuries, the psychological aspect often pops up when the players in the joints begin to take care of themselves so as not to get injured again. Have you worked through this moment somehow?

– While there have been no serious joints, I am not getting into an active struggle once again. Well, and the partners understand that you don't need to hit your legs from behind. It is clear that no one will concede, but no one does it intentionally. All this can be seen from the outside in matches and gain this experience of fighting and joints only through the game. If anything, I didn't go to a psychologist specifically. At the stage of recovery, many people suggested and helped with advice.

– We have been talking about your possible return in September for a long time. Added motivation to the quickest return calendar, in which the derby with Spartak fell in mid-September?

– To be honest, the game with Spartak in September affected my recovery. I don't know if we accelerated enough to get ready for Spartak. However, I would really like to take the field against this particular opponent. I hope everything will happen and nothing will bother me.  This is our only home match in September, where I hope to see our beloved fans. I want there to be a full stadium. We will try to please the audience with our game. Also, everyone remembers that my first goal for Dynamo happened against Spartak, and it would be great to score again – this thought is sitting right in my head. However, the most important thing is that the team wins and the fans are satisfied.

– How many minutes do you expect to get this Saturday?

– I don't even know. As far as I will be ready, as the coaching staff will appreciate. It seems that both physically and mentally I am ready well. Let's see how it will look technically in the game. I hope to play at least 15-20 minutes.

– Good weather is expected, a full stadium, the atmosphere of a real derby. Is there only one goal missing for a perfect return?

– I repeat, the most important thing is that the team wins, and when I appear on the field, Dynamo would lead the score. And if you also manage to score, it will be fantastic. You can't think of a better return!

– Both teams had some problems at the start of the season. What will come to the fore in this match?

– Desire and emotions will come to the fore. The team that wants to win more will be seen in small-scale martial arts, ball picks, desire and passion. If we go out without desire, as for a regular match, then nothing will work out. After all, this is Spartak, which no one needs to tune in to, everyone should understand for themselves what this opponent means for Dynamo. And in terms of fighting, we should not concede anywhere at all. We will try to score more and win.

– Did the pause for the national team matches benefit the team? Did you manage to work out some additional points?

– Our head coach was in the Russian national team, plus a lot of guys went to their national teams. There was the usual preparation in terms of playing football, switching after not the best results, we held mini-tournaments in training. Everything was positive, we managed without injuries and calmly prepared for the match with Spartak.

– With what feelings did you watch the matches of the Russian national team, which now has even more Dynamo players?

– With pleasant feelings. I watched the matches completely. I am very happy for Vanya Sergeev, who gave a fantastic pass, and in principle I am happy for the guys – they played well and won. Well done! Let them leave this enthusiasm, emotions, walls, running, heels, blows to the games of our team in the championship and Cup.

– You have a new competitor for the place of the center forward. What is your relationship with Vanya? Do you see your team on the field when you both will be in the lineup?

– We have a good working relationship with Vanya. We sit next to each other in the locker room, we communicate. Do I see us together on the field? I don't know. It is necessary to look, try and evaluate my condition. Maybe I'm not ready yet – it's not clear yet. Now Vanya is our main striker, who has to carry the team on himself. He is a leader, a national team player. If necessary, of course, I will always go out and help him – I will give him a pass somewhere, or he will make a transfer to me. We will definitely not be greedy. We understand that we have one goal – to win every match. We need to try to correct the current situation and correct the tournament position.