White-and-blues midfielder Anton Miranchuk spoke about the atmosphere at Dynamo, his partnership with Bitello, and his emotions ahead of the meeting with his former team.
— How quickly did you adapt to the team? What can you say about the atmosphere within the team?
— Regarding the team atmosphere, I can say it's cool and friendly. Everyone communicates well, despite the fact that we have a lot of foreigners. I was able to find common ground with the guys from Latin America faster because they're more open and easier to communicate with. I've known the Russian guys for a long time, so the adaptation went very quickly, if there was any at all.
— You're a big fan of rap. What kind of music is most often heard in the Dynamo locker room these days?
— Glebov is in charge of music, and he's great at that – he puts on a mix. We have Russian artists, rock, rap, and Latin music – basically, all genres. I think this helps everyone get into the right frame of mind for the game.
— Dynamo has had a tough start to the season. What do we need to do to continue climbing the table?
— We need to continue to stick to our guns, gradually achieve results and earn three points. Everyone has learned how to play both defense and attack, plus they're adapting to their opponents, so there are no easy matches for anyone. We need to continue to find our game, find better rapport with our teammates, and we're on the right track in that regard. We're keeping our eyes firmly on the road ahead and gradually moving toward our goals.
— Leaving aside the cup match in Krasnodar, our scoring has noticeably increased in recent games, with three wins in a row. Can we say the team has finally adapted to Valery Karpin's demands?
— I think we're listening to the coach more, understanding what he demands, and delivering on it on the pitch. It's crucial to believe what he says and transfer it to the games.
— A definite turning point occurred after the September break, in the match against Spartak. For Dynamo, this club has always been their main antagonist, but who is your main rival in the Russian championship?
— Good question. A Moscow team's main rival should probably be another Moscow team. Therefore, I'd choose all the Moscow clubs.
— Valery Karpin has repeatedly said that he doesn't read any press or public pages, so he doesn't know what people are saying about him or his team. Do you react to comments in the media and online, where, for example, the president of Sion comments on your performance after almost every match?
— Not anymore. But I still hear them, either after a match someone shouts something out or something else. That's why I don't read them either and have developed an immunity. I know when I played badly and when I played well, when I played correctly and when I didn't. And when something is said, it's more to offend someone.
— You have three assists in September. Are you in top form now?
— I think my best form is yet to come. My physical condition has definitely improved, the international break helped, and I played a few 90-minute matches at Dynamo. All of this is a plus, a plus. It's even good that the matches are every two or three days, including the Cup, it helps you recover faster. There are still some issues with the feel of the game and the rhythm, but everything will improve as I work.
— Two of your three assists went to Bitello. Would you say you've already developed a partnership with him? How do you share corners and free kicks?
— With corners and free kicks, it's simple — the coaching staff tells you who's taking them and what position they're in. Bitello is a great player; I've understood his game and what he wants from the very first training sessions. I'm very close to his style, so it's not too difficult to understand him at any given moment. Although there was one moment in the recent match against Krylia Sovetov when we misunderstood each other. We talked afterwards and sorted it out. Overall, I understand where he'll run and where he'll find openings, which is why we find each other on the pitch.
— The derby with your hometown club is coming up. Will the match against Lokomotiv be special?
— Of course. I grew up at this club; they raised me and gave me a lot, for which I'm grateful. I have the warmest words for Lokomotiv. I know all my former teammates, as well as many of the coaches and staff. I think there will be a certain thrill, a match that ticks all the boxes.
— Are you surprised by Lokomotiv's start, which is still unbeaten?
— I can't say I'm surprised, because they started last season well too. They have a good team; they've developed a solid understanding and game plan over the past few years. They play their own style of football and achieve the results they need.
— Will you have enough energy for the full match after such a demanding cup game in Krasnodar?
— I hope so. At the very least, I'll do everything I can to recover and prepare for this match.
