Konstantin Tyukavin: I see myself only at Dynamo so far

— What interesting did Slaviša Jokanović add to Dynamo training sessions?

— In the new season, I think everyone will see what he is trying to teach us. It is worth of remark that training camps have been hard. Two training sessions a day, there were only two days off during this period. Theory lasts long. For example, yesterday, our theory lasted 52 minutes. It was unusual.

— What goals are set for the team on the eve of the season? Is it possible to move Zenit from the first spot?

— We will try to do it, why not? We need to stop them.

— Tell us how the moment of parting with Sandro Schwarz passed. How emotional was it?

— Of course, it was emotionally difficult to say goodbye to Sandro. But what could we do? You see the sort of situation now.

— Nail Umyarov's behavior at the end of the Russian Cup final was one of the most discussed episodes. Nail and you played together in the Russian U-21 team. You know him well, probably you talked. Will you continue communicating? Will you shake his hand?

— Nail is a kind guy. Of course, we will continue shaking his hand. We didn't understand why he had posted it. Why did he open a telegram channel and tell all this? If he said that to Danya, well, keep it to yourself. There was no need of making the details public, especially in the telegram channel. As for me, it's not correct.

— Fabián Balbuena, Ivan Ordets and Roman Yevgenyev have left Dynamo. The team seems to be doing well in attack. What can you say about the defensive line? Are you confident in your teammates playing in this position?

— Of course, Balbuena, Ordets and Yevgenyev’s departure is a big loss for us. But I believe in the young guys who are training with us now and will play in the new season. Hope they will not let us down.

— Alex Ovechkin played for Dynamo in the friendly game against Amkal. How did you play with him? What impressions did he make?

— I didn't play with him, because he played in my position, and I watched from the bench what he would show (smiles). We didn't expect Alex to come out in attack, because before that he played more at goal.

— Did you expect him to shoot accurately into the far corner after Smolov’s backheel pass?

— Yes (laughs).

— Another important theme is related to Konstantin Tyukavin’s football future. Are you seeing yourself somewhere in the European top league?

— I see myself only at Dynamo so far.

— At the end of the conversation, say some words to the club’s fans.

— We invite all fans to come to the stadium for the game against Rostov. We want them to support our team and fill the stands. We really need their support. There is no way without it.