Dynamo head coach Marcel Licka answered journalists' questions after the win over Zenit (3:2).
— Emotions are great after such a victory which we pulled out at the last minute. It wasn't our best game in terms of quality. In the second half we ran and endured more. But it was our best game in character – everyone worked out to the fullest. In a match like this, we have to leave the comfort zone, and I'm very glad that all my players did it. Today, the scenario could be the same to the game at Samara, when we also lost the victory in the end. However, Laxalt found strength from somewhere and made a pass, which Grulev finished. I am very glad that my team has shown its character.
— Why did the quality of Dynamo's play became poor in the second half?
— Zenit are champions of Russia. Last season they were beaten here only by Dynamo in the Cup and Akhmat in the Premier League. We must pay tribute to the strength of our opponent. They have a lot of high-quality players. Before the match, we told that if we wanted to succeed, we needed to play more actively, and in the first half we did it. Unfortunately, we didn't continue that way in the second half. Thanks to our character and desire, we endured this struggle to the end and turned luck to our side.
— How serious was Arsen Zakharyan's injury? How did his replacement affect the game?
— When we scored the first goal, Zakha felt tension in the posterior thigh muscle after a fall. He played another 30 minutes, after which we decided not to take any risks and replaced him. I'm sure there's nothing serious there. Instead of him, Makarov came out, who fulfilled my requirements. The players coming on as substitutes should improve the team's play, and Makarov did his best today. Yes, he ran more without the ball, but I'm happy with his work.
— Tyukavin played very well. Many people say that Zenit are interested in him. Is there any link between these facts? And do such conversations disturb football players?
— This is our job. There will always be such rumors. As a coach, I don't pay attention to them. When we talked to him yesterday, I told him: Tyuka, score tomorrow. He replied: come on, coach, I'll score three. And then I said: two will be enough, otherwise if you score three, Arshavin will buy you at Zenit (laughs). Tyukavin and Zakharyan are very talented players who can make a big name for themselves in Europe.
— Saba Sazonov missed the previous game due to little injury. Today he came out in the second half. How is he feeling?
— Saba had a little injury, and he only started working in the group on Thursday. Initially, we wanted to prepare him for the next game with Krasnodar, but Zenit fielded Mario Fernandez and Alip in the second half, and we had to strengthen our positions in aerial duels to cope with corners and crosses into the penalty area. And he helped us a lot. I am very glad that Saba endured 35 minutes without any troubles.
— How much has Zenit's attacking potential changed after Malcom's departure?
— I think this is a big loss for Zenit. Malcom scored a lot and made many assists. As a football fan, I would prefer him to play in a good European league. Latin Americans play sincere football and enjoy the game. It was the same with me at Orenburg. Wendel missed all the preparation period, but came out for 45 minutes and made a difference.
— Did your players pay attention to how Robert Renan makes the first pass?
— I asked Tyukavin and Ngamaleu to run behind the centre-backs. I like Robert because there are not so many good left-footed centre-backs. Today we were lucky that he made two mistakes, and we took advantage of them. But don't give up on him. I think he will progress and learn from more experienced teammates. For example, we have the same situation — Fabian Balbuena is helping Nicholas Marichal and Roberto Fernandez.