Cherevchenko: ‘I want to thank the guys, they deserved it’

Lokomotiv acting head coach Igor Cherevchenko has shared his emotions of the 3:1 victory over Kuban in the Russian Cup Final.

‘All I’m thinking about now is a good rest. The preparation was going hard. After the first half we pulled ourselves together and were able to get back into the game. I want to thank the guys, they deserved it. From the quarterfinal on, all games ended in extra time. Today we managed to avoid the penalty shootout. I can’t tell you what I said in half-time. It’s a secret, if I say it loud everybody will start winning.’

I dedicate this victory to my father who passed away last year. He made a man and a player out of me’ - Cherevchenko commented to Rossiya 2 TV channel.

‘I’m empty. It’s important that we didn’t give up when the score was 0:1. We failed in the first half. In half-time we changed the plan and in the second half the aim was not to concede in the first 20 minutes. The experts argued the Final would be dull. Where are they now, them experts?

Miranchuk was a great sub, he refreshed play. We had planned his appearance but we didn’t know exactly when he’d be needed. He has great perspectives ahead’ - Cherevchenko added at the press conference.