The right-back of the White-Blues commented on the big win over Dynamo Stavropol in the Russian Cup match. The 32-year-old defender came on the pitch with the captain's armband.
— This is the first time you led the team as a captain in an official game. What feelings did you experience?
— Pleasant feelings, of course. I am very glad and proud that the coaches entrusted me with the captain's armband. I took the team to the pitch with trembling feelings and I am glad that we managed to earn a victory.
— The team sealed a big victory, but the opponent periodically held dangerous attacks. What are your impressions of the game?
— In such matches, when a Premier League team arrives, the sides from the lower leagues have nothing to lose, because for them this is the match of the season. A lot of fans came, so there was a good atmosphere at the stadium. We did our job professionally, fulfilled everything we agreed on that led to a good result.
— The weather conditions were not fine. How was it played in the rain?
— The rain did not bother at all. On the contrary, it was fresh and pleasant to run. The pitch caused some difficulties, but this is not an excuse. If you have skills, then you have to prove it on any pitch.
— You joined the attacks very often. Was it the coach's plan?
— No, I played according to the situation. The game went well, we felt liberated, so we could more actively go on the attack and slightly leave the zones from behind. Everything was fine, we scored nice goals and pleased the fans.
— There will be the third game against Rubin this week. What are the conditions of the squad?
— There was a small rotation today — someone played a half, someone more. Watching today's encounter, you can't say that the team played a match three days ago. I hope that every player will be as fresh against Rubin and we will come to a victory that will make our fans happy.
— Today the whole stadium supported Dynamo. Did you hear our fans especially well?
— Of course. There was incredible support both in Sochi and here. Our fans could be heard very well. It's great when there are people at the stadium at all, and when our fans follow the team, it's doubly pleasant. You come to all the aspects of the game with additional responsibility.