Dmitriy Barinov: The final will be a battle!

Lokomotiv midfielder Dmitriy Barinov who is representing Russia at 2015 Euro U-19 tells about the preparations for the Final against Spain, the opponent’s fortes, and promises the maximal commitment in the last game.

– The emotions from the yesterday’s game against Greece are all gone. We’re getting ready for the final. The match was not as easy as you could think judging from the score. In the first half the  Greeks pulled back and it was difficult to break up their defence. We were lucky to open the score and then it became easier. The hosts started leaving spaces in defence and we used them. The ejection also helped us.

- The coaches moved you to the back of midfield. Is it hard to change positions from game to game?

- I feel more comfortable in the position of a defensive midfielder, to be honest. You see the pitch and can imagine the possible development of an attack, many tactical schemes flash through your mind. But in the back it is also okay, I think I did alright against the Germans.

- Has the preparation for the final started yet, or did the coaches allow you to bathe in the Greek sun?

- We spent about half-an-hour by the sea after we had had breakfast today, now we’ll have lunch, take a rest and then go to the theory lesson. Gotta analyze our mistakes in the previous games and take a closer look at the Spanish team.

- What can you say about them? At the group stage, the victory over them was very emotional.

- They are very strong individually. Their technique and ball control are great. But we were not born yesterday. There will be a battle!

- I think we can tell a secret - during the pre-season training camp you promised me you’d finish first in the group despite everyone were shocked by the toss result.

- You have to walk the walk. But I won’t promise anything now. Everything will be decided on the pitch, and we’ll squeeze the maximum out of ourselves. We want to make our fans happy and bring the cup to Russia.