Leonid Kuchuk: “I want to thank the guys for their faith”

Leonid Kuchuk told the post-game press-conference his team will fight till the end.

- You had a new duo of central defenders today, but it seemed that Durica was a bit more nervous than Mikhalik. Besides, he grew really anxious by the end of the game. Do you think the Slovak was too excited?
- The central backs played well. Yes, they made a mistake and Rondon scored. But we scored as well. As for Durica – well, it’s natural a man grows anxious. I wouldn’t understand if they would hug and kiss Zenit. The game was very stressing. We tried to play in an aggressive manner. We didn’t allow the opponents find spaces and start counterattacks, we won many tackles. It was a hard and interesting match.

- Can Diarra play 90 minutes?
- He got injured in the game against Anji when Serderov tackled him. The injury was serious, just as serious as if he had his muscle torn. Lass had been working according to an individual plan, and only two days ago did he return to the squad. I understood he’s an experienced player and should help us but he can’t endure 90 minutes: this can aggravate the injury. But he caught up well and he’s got potential.

It’s the same for Vitaliy Denisov who resumed training just yesterday. Today his appearance was somewhat a risk. I want to say I’m sorry to them but we had to press the visitors and be more aggressive. They boosted pressure, as well as Roma Pavlyuchenko. Our goal was not to draw the game level, we wanted to win!

- Are you satisfied with the result?
- Two more games to play, the race is ongoing. Zenit also have two games ahead. We’re walking on the thin ice. I think we’re less stressed than them. Everybody’s already talking about their victory, they’re crowned champions, but the crown’s still off. I want to thank my guys they have faith and fight in every episode.

- Can you say for sure Lass and Denisov avoided relapses?
- Football is an active sports, so now I’m going to the dressing room and see if everybody’s okay. Nobody’s safe. And I got used to it. We have a long bench, and if someone gets hurt another man fills in. That’s what a team is for. What if someone walks in the rain and gets quinsy? We have to cope with it.

- You said Lokomotiv are less stressed. Why?
- We don’t care about who our opponents are. I’m confident about the guys, about the team. We’re going to fight for a victory in every game. That’s what a team spirit is. Many say we’re off the track, but we’re still there.

- Are you happy with how the defence played against Hulk?
- We didn’t allow him to create chances. In previous games he used to do more. Three attempts is not much.

- Why did you change N’Doye for Pavlyuchenko? It would be logical if you played with two forwards.
- Sometimes just one sub can make the game if he’s a man who plays differently. The substitution was meant to boost up attacking. You sat high, I stood low and thought it was right. Probably you missed it but I noticed that the pressure increased.

I can play with four strikers. But the most dangerous area of the pitch is its centre. If you lose it you get a load of attacks on your goal. I thought what I did was good. That’s how I work.