Dynamo attacking midfielder Arsen Zakharyan recalled his previous season goal against CSKA and shared his expectations of the upcoming derby.
— This week is very intense for our team: we defeated Baltika in the Cup on Tuesday, now we are looking forward to the Premier League fixture against CSKA. Has the team enough emotions for the derby?
— Of course, it has. It's always nice to win, especially in a penalty shootout. There are always positive emotions after a victory.
— The Army men have a different mood. They lost their quarterfinal to Spartak. Have you watched this game? What is your opinion about CSKA?
— I watched it. CSKA are a strong team. They were unlucky when their player was sent off. And so they could score. The Red-Blues hit the post twice. They have strong foreign players that promise a very good game.
— In case of a victory, Dynamo will become inapproachable to CSKA. How important is it to win on Sunday?
— We try to win every match. Now or later, it doesn't matter. We come to the pitch in order to win.
— The opponents play tight against Dynamo in the second part of the season. Can we expect more open football in the derby?
— I think so. CSKA are an attacking team, and we also play in attack. No one will sit back. Therefore, we are waiting for an interesting attacking game.
— In recent matches, you have played both on the wing and in the midfield. Where was it more comfortable, taking the rivals’ defensive football into consideration?
— I don't care, in principle. Where the coach sees me, I'll definitely play there. He will make the decision.
— You scored a great goal in the previous season derby. Did you remember that moment well?
— If course, I did. It was the Premier League last round match in my first season. It turned out to be a very memorable goal against Igor Akinfeyev. I still remember this match.
— Is the team ready to play brightly on Sunday?
— I think so, why not? I hope that we will win not in a heart-stopping way, but more calmly and confidently.