Leonid Kuchuk: "If you don't show your character in such games, you won't become a team"

At a post-match press-conference, Lokomotiv manager Leonid Kuchuk praised Roman Pavlyuchenko, and noted the team's spirit.

- When Pavlyuchenko scored the second goal you were the only person who didn't celebrate. Instead, you started explaining something to Shishkin.
- You simply didn't see it. I celebrated for a second or two but then resumed my work, I had to make changes. It was a very difficult game. If you don't show your character in such games, you won't become a team. Every footballer in Lokomotiv played from the first to the last second, and we won the game thanks to our character.

- From Pavlyuchenko's interviews we see that he understands the situation right, but what do you think about the rivalry in Loko's attack?
- I have to admit: his goal per strike rate is really impressive. Another thing is that he wants to prove his value, he's practicing hard and is playing boldly. He also has a feature that a player cannot develop but can only have naturally - goal instinct. You either have it or you don't, and if you do say thank you to your parents. Roma is really good in finishing and I want to thank him for that.

- Could you tell us how you pick a goalkeeper?
- No, I couldn't. I am grateful to Ilya Abayev for the games that he played. When he joined us he became our security warrant. And I'm thankful to Guilherme because while he was recovering he clearly understood that the time would come when he'd have to play. As a result now we have two high-level keepers in our team. Depending on the nuances in the opponents' play I choose one or the other.  They are constantly working on their weak points. I follow their progress and I hope they don't get offended. Their relations are professional.

- You had two ties in a row with Abayev between the posts.
- He didn't concede. Coincidences matter much in football. You need to have strong character to oppose them. It's always like this.

- Lokomotiv have managed this comeback, but are you happy with the play?
- Sure. You can debate whether our performance is bright or not, but I'm satisfied with our character. Have you noted a single player just stop and idle, as I say? No. Nobody stood still, nobody was afraid to tackle or be tackled. How can I be unhappy? You have to reach the result.

- Have recent games shown problems to you? Last time it was a draw, today it was a difficult game.
- What makes a professional coach? Any practice shows problems. A practice is a continuation of or a prologue to a game, and a coach has to be able to correct mistakes and improve what already goes well. If you just go out to run and kick the ball it means you're not more than an amateur. A professional coach constantly analyzes his games, and his practices are based on what he saw in the previous match. Terek are good in defence, their transition from defence to attack is fast, - they are a strong team. But we beat them. Last weekend the opponents had chances but never shot on goal, and we saw everybody criticizing us. We had five chances but failed to capitalize on them. We have to be calm and realize the opportunities that we have. Dignity and faith in the team come first.

- Is the championship race putting pressure on the team?
- Anyway, it is. Although this topic is a commonplace, I think. We want to reach the result and we are moving towards it. We want to ride in the first car, not the last.

- Early this season there were many games where Lokomotiv scored winners in the last minutes. Today it's the same. How important is it to you?
- In today's game we had very few levers of pressure, to be honest, but we were able to use them right. Everybody in the team knows when to strike. It's really valuable.