Dynamo head coach Marcel Licka answered journalists’ questions after the match with Rubin (4:0).
— It’s not every day that you win 4-0 away, so I’m very happy. We played quite disciplined, like in Makhachkala. It’s 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 danger 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 to zero, and also score a third goal to remove all questions.
— Can the fans hope that Dynamo will always play like this with teams like Rubin?
— Of course, I would like us to play like this in every round. But you have to understand that the opponent is also always preparing for your team. Yes, we worked on our mistakes, although it was difficult for us because many players were on national teams. And today, those who stayed in Moscow were in the starting lineup, plus Mumi and Fabi, who had to be replaced in the second half due to fatigue. I'm glad that we improved and played well both in the low and mid-block.
— At the beginning of the second half, Kazan attacked quite dangerously and were close to scoring. Were you not afraid that the scenario could repeat itself again, when the team faltered with the score 2:0 in their favor?
— I don't agree that Rubin was closer to reducing the gap in the score than we were to the third goal. They had a couple of good situations that they could have used, 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 in order to create gaps between the lines and play through them, and we succeeded.
— This is not the first time that Dynamo has come out with non-specialist full-backs. Is it a problem for you to choose those who will play on the flanks before each match?
— Eli got injured and will miss a couple of weeks. We have one specialised left-back – Dima Skopintsev. In Makhachkala, I tried Roby Fernandes in this position for the first time, and he showed himself to be excellent, played with discipline and helped in the draw. Today, he also went into attack 2-3 times well. I wanted us to play very disciplined at the back, so I chose Roby.
As for the right flank, if Bessmertny had trained with us all week, he would have played. But since he was with the national team in China, and Kutitsky 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 defence and in the support zone, always doing a lot of work. Today, Tyukavin received the award for the best player of the match, but Robi and Kuteya could also be mentioned. I am also very pleased with the play of Fomin and Chavez in the center of the field. Overall, we played as a team at a very good level.
— Different players took the penalties again. Do you have a regular penalty taker now, or how do you choose?
— Before the game, I usually don’t say that someone should take the penalty. Before this, Mehdi and Carra scored, but before the match with CSKA, I said that either Fabi or Tyuka should take it, because Akinfeev knows Carrascal very well, and Luis was not there yet. Today, I didn’t say that, and I thought that Chavez would take the ball, but Tyuka took it and did everything well. I don’t mind. Then I was also a little surprised that Artur went to take the second penalty.
— Can we say that Mirlind Daku’s disqualification made your life much easier?
— It is clear that Daku is a very important player for Rubin, and this was a big loss for them. I always like it when the opponent plays with their strongest lineup. Because players who are waiting for their chance always try to show themselves to the coach and give their all. I know Joel Fameye and his qualities well, so I am very glad that this time he did not score against my team.
— Have you already thought about the lineup for the cup match in Samara?
— Let's see who is 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 decide specifically closer to the match.
