Dynamo Moscow head coach Rolan Gusev answered journalists' questions after the return cup match with Spartak (0:1).
— You took off two key players in the 55th minute and immediately conceded. Were you thinking about the match against Zenit?
— Of course, we were thinking about Zenit and saw that we lacked freshness in the central zone, where we were slow in making decisions and moving the ball. Bitello needed a rest, because he plays almost 90 minutes in most matches.
— Did you have to constantly remind the team that they needed to take the game extremely seriously and that Spartak was capable of scoring three goals?
— Of course, during those days we constantly talked about how nothing had been decided yet, and we had a specific game plan. I experienced this as a footballer. When there are handicaps of 3-4 goals, you understand that you have to play to win, but it still lingers in your subconscious. If, for example, we had drawn the first match, it would have been a completely different game and a completely different attitude.
— What would you praise your players for today, and what would you criticize them for?
— I'll criticize them elsewhere, if necessary. Here, I can only praise them. The guys did well; they achieved their goal. Of course, losing is unpleasant for anyone, but first and foremost, their goal was to reach the final, and they achieved it. Let's say they played according to the result.
— Do you get any extra satisfaction from winning in such a Spartak-like atmosphere?
— I've always said that these matches, both at Dynamo and at Spartak, are played in a great atmosphere. The most important thing here is that each player and coach understands what kind of match they're about to play. Of course, the atmosphere was wonderful, and thanks to our fans, who came in such large numbers. A deep bow to them; we heard them throughout the entire game.
— Ivan Sergeev is constantly coming on as a substitute. Has he come to terms with this role as a reserve?
— No player can come to terms with being a reserve, including Vanya. We have 16-18 players of equal value, and all are vying for a spot in the starting lineup. Tyukavin is currently playing, and Vanya understands this and is doing everything he can to help the team. We constantly communicate with all the players and reassure them that they will get playing time no matter what, and then they will have to give it their all.
— What happened to Maxim Osipenko?
— He has a minor injury; the doctors will examine him, and then we'll know more.
— How would you rate the situation from the inside – how happy and satisfied are the players?
— The atmosphere is good, the guys are working very hard. They worked hard during training camp and continue to do so. Emotional state always depends primarily on the result.
— How would you rate Kurban Rasulov's performance, and how are Igor Leschuk and Andrey Lunev doing?
— Kurban played a good game, well done. Leschuk has already returned to training with the main group, and Lunev should start during the international break.
— When you watched the second semifinal yesterday, what kind of opponent were you expecting?
— In the final, you don't have a choice. Both CSKA and Krasnodar are very strong teams, so I didn't even think about it. We were primarily thinking about our game.
