Sandro Schwarz: We are favorites of the Cup match, but we need to confirm our ambitions on the pitch

— We need to come to this match with seriousness and responsibility. On Monday, we had a recovery training session following a very intense and energy-consuming game against Sochi. We want to start the Cup campaign with a victory.

— Have you already analyzed Dynamo Stavropol? What can you say about this team?

— We had the opportunity to watch some of their matches, but the main analysis of the opponent is scheduled for Tuesday. This team use different schemes. We will carefully analyze all the aspects of their play in different formations and prepare for all possible options in their game. It is clear that we are the favorites of this match, but we need to prove our ambitions on the pitch. We respect Dynamo Stavropol, but we intend to show our skills and earn a victory.

— Do you know that one of the referees’ name of the upcoming match is Schwarz?

— Yes, I've heard about it. But as far as I know, we are not relatives (laughs).

— In what condition are Dynamo players coming to the match? Is everyone available?

— In the game against Sochi, our team did an impressive amount of running work. The players ran a total of 122 kilometers. That’s why the correct recovery comes to the fore. In order to come to the match against Dynamo Stavropol in good conditions within this short week, we need to correctly plan these two days’ sessions. Therefore, we will make a decision on the starting XI based on the physical form of the players.

— You replaced Arsen Zakharyan at halftime of the previous match to take care of him. Do you count on him on Wednesday?

— As I said after the Sunday’s match, Arsen felt some muscle discomfort. Therefore, the medical staff will make the decision on his appearance on the pitch. We will focus on their conclusion. This is the case of all other players whose appearance is doubtful.

— You probably wanted to field Igor Leshchuk in the Cup match, but now the situation has changed. Do you plan to put him in the starting line-up or you will give Ivan Budachyov the chance?

— Ivan Budachyov is a very good goalkeeper who is making great progress. But Igor Leshchuk will play on Wednesday.

— Do you keep in mind Sunday's match against Rubin, especially given the fact that the Kazan side will not play in the Cup this week?

— Of course, we take it into consideration. But I already said more than once that first of all I live for the next match that is the most important for me. So all my thoughts are about an important game against a team from Stavropol. It is clear that we will not take any risks. The squad will be determined based on physical form. We need to minimize the possibility of any injury. The most optimal squad will play, and we will start thinking about Rubin on Thursday.

— The pitch in Stavropol will certainly be similar to what it was on Sunday at Sochi. Will it influence the tactics and style of Dynamo play?

— As for the pitch quality in Stavropol, these are the circumstances that we cannot influence in any way. We will proceed from it as well.

— Do you like this Cup format that includes the group stage and penalties after the draw in regular time?

— I haven't had such an experience yet, especially regarding the games in the Cup group stage. On the other hand, if we look at the situation from the side of the teams of the lower leagues that host the big clubs of the Premier League, then it's great. I am sure they will give their best 100%, or even more. And it is interesting.