Dynamo head coach Marcel Licka answered journalists' questions after the match with Rubin (4:0).
— It's not possible to win 4-0 on the road every day, so I'm very happy. We played quite disciplined, as in Makhachkala. It is clear that the penalty in the second minute helped us, after which we had good possession of the ball. But I wanted us to create more sharpness in the first half and put pressure on the opponent's defense. At half-time, I just said that we need to continue playing in the same spirit and try to play for zero, as well as score the third goal to remove all questions.
— Is it possible for fans to hope that now Dynamo will always play in a similar way with teams of Rubin's level?
— Of course, I would like us to play like this in every tour. But you have to understand that the opponent is also always preparing for your team. Yes, we worked on the mistakes, even though it was hard for us, because a lot of players were in the national teams. And today, those who stayed in Moscow came out at the start, plus Moumi and Fabi, who had to be changed in the second half due to fatigue. I am glad that we have improved and performed well in both the low and middle block.
— At the beginning of the second half, Kazan attacked quite dangerously and were close to scoring. Did you have any fears that the scenario could happen again when the team falters with the score 2:0 in its favor?
— I do not agree that Rubin was closer to closing the gap in the score than we were to the third goal. They had a couple of good situations that they could use, already with the score 3:0. Rubin is a disciplined team that plays compactly according to the 5-3-2 scheme. We tried to pull their players higher to create gaps between the lines and play through them, and we succeeded.
— It's not the first time Dynamo has come out with non-core extreme defenders. Is it a problem for you to choose those who will play on the flanks before each match?
— Eli is injured and will miss a couple of weeks. We have one profile left–back - Dima Skopintsev. In Makhachkala, I tried Robi Fernandez for the first time in this position, and he showed himself well, played with discipline and helped in the draw. Today he also attacked well 2-3 times. I wanted us to play very disciplined at the back, so I chose Robie.
If we talk about the right flank, then if Bessmertniy had trained with us all week, he would have played. But since he was with the national team in China, and Kutitskiy spent all 14 days with us, the choice fell on him. Kutya is a smart player who makes quick decisions, and today he proved it by playing at a good level. He can play in any position in defense and in the support zone, always doing a lot of work. Tyukavin received the award for the best player of the match today, but Robi and Kutya could also be mentioned. I am also very pleased with the performance of Fomin and Chavez in the center of the field. In general, we played as a team at a very good level.
— Penalties were kicked by different players again. Do you have a full-time penalty taker now, or how is the choice made?
— Before the game, I usually don't say that someone should take a penalty. Mehdi and Carra had scored before, but before the match with CSKA, I told them to beat either Fabi or Bale, because Akinfeev knows Carrascal very well, and Luis was not there yet. I didn't say that today, and I thought Chavez would take the ball, but Bales took it and did everything well. I don't mind. Then I was also a little surprised that Arthur went to beat the second penalty.
— Can I say that the disqualification of Mirlinda Daku made your life much easier?
— It is clear that Daku is a very important player for Rubin, and it was a big loss for them. I always like it when the opponent plays in the strongest squad. Because the players who are waiting for their chance always try to show themselves to the coach and give their best. I know Joel Fameye well and his qualities, so I'm very glad that he didn't score against my team this time.
— Have you already thought about the squad for the cup match in Samara?
— Let's see who will be healthy. We will go to Samara to win because we want to take second place in the group. It is clear that there will be a certain rotation, and we will be more specific closer to the match.
