Roberto Fernandez: It is important to remember legendary players like Lev Yashin

— After the game with Khimki, you wrote lindo partido (good game – Spanish) on social media. Do you like such matches with a lot of goals?

— Yes, of course. It was a very difficult game for us against a difficult opponent. Fortunately, we managed to achieve a positive result.

— The game was like ping-pong, where first one team scored, then the other one did. You don’t see that often. What is the reason?

— First of all, it’s worth mentioning Khimki, who played a good match and used their strengths. Just like a week before, when they beat Lokomotiv. It’s good that we also reacted competently to what was happening on the field, were able to score beautiful goals and please the fans.

— You scored a very important goal at the end of the first half. How did you end up in the center of the penalty area as a forward?

— Initially there was a corner, after which Khimki cleared the ball, but the rebound was ours, and I decided to stay in the penalty area. Thank God I was in the right place at the right time and scored that goal.

— Many fans complain that they lose too many nerves while watching Dynamo matches, and Marcel even joked that he would ask for a longer vacation to restore his health. How can they save their nerves?

— I think that nerves are part of football, our sport is never calm. Yes, we had a couple of unsuccessful matches before the break for international games, but after it we achieved good results, which helps us a lot mentally. As for the vacation, I think we would all like to have a longer rest (laughs).

— In one game with Khimki, only one goal was scored less than in 10 games of the Paraguayan national team in the World Cup qualifying tournament. What is the secret of such a good defensive play?

— Our national team has always been characterized by a strong defensive line and good defenders. Unfortunately, this did not help it get to the last World Cups, but I hope that this time everything will be different.

— Is it possible to concede so little in the Russian championship?

— Of course, we work hard every day to improve our defensive play. If everyone approaches this process with full responsibility, we can become much better in this aspect.

— Dynamo won three victories in a row, scoring 14 goals. Can we say that you have finally found your game?

— I think so. As for the attack, we constantly created a lot of chances and scored goals, so there are no problems with that. But in defense, we still need to improve in order to concede less.

— After 13 rounds, the team has 26 points. The last time this happened was in 1997. Can we say that the team has become stronger compared to last season?

— I think so. We are trying to constantly improve. Last season, we also regularly scored points and were in contention for the championship until the last round. I think that we are on the right track and now we must try to score the maximum number of points before the winter break.

— At the same time, Dynamo is currently in fourth place. Has the Russian Championship become even more competitive?

— Exactly. Many teams strengthened well in the summer and now lose points much less often. We will try to catch up with the leaders and climb as high as possible in the table.

— Ahead is the match with Rostov, to whom the white-blues lost with a score of 1:4 six months ago. Does this fact add motivation?

— Of course. I remember that game. It turned out very strangely for us, and we essentially lost it in the first half. I hope that this time everything will be completely different and we will continue our winning streak.

— This season you have mastered a new position on the left flank of defense. Was it difficult to adapt to it?

— It is clear that at first it was difficult in a position I had never played in my life, especially physically. But now I have settled in and am ready to develop in a new role. I told Marcel that I am ready to help where needed. No problems.

— You played the last few games with a bandaged right hand. What happened?

— I injured my wrist in the match with Rubin, and at first it hurt a lot, but now I feel much better.

— The Golden Ball was awarded the other day, and Rodri received it. Who would you vote for?

— I would vote for Dani Carvajal, I really like him. At the same time, Vinicius, who had an incredible season, also deserved the award.

— The only goalkeeper to receive the Golden Ball was Lev Yashin, to whom the events at the match with Rostov will be dedicated. Have you already learned a lot about the main legend of Dynamo?

— Of course, he is a unique player who achieved great victories with Dynamo and received recognition all over the world. His portraits hang everywhere at the base and stadium, so he is always nearby. It is very important for the club to remember such legendary personalities.

— The day before the match, Halloween was celebrated. Is it common to celebrate it in Paraguay?

— It is, but not on such a grand scale as here. In Paraguay, everything is much more modest, without dressing up in costumes, but the holiday is still fun.

— What is your favorite horror movie?

— The Nun. Both parts.

— What are you most afraid of?

— I'm a little afraid of flying, but I hide it well, unlike Tyuka, for example (laughs). As a child, when I spent the night at my uncle and aunt's country house, there was sometimes no electricity, and it was scary to be alone in the room at night.