Syomin: Accidental victory? A 301st accidental victory, indeed…

After a 2:1 victory over Bayer in the Champions League, Lokomotiv’s head coach Yuriy Syomin explains why he moved Murilo up to defensive midfield, responds to sarcasm from Vasiliy Utkin, and remembers Galatasaray./

- A masterplan and tactical know-how is one thing, but at the end of the day it’s up to the players. I want to say thank-you to every one of them. We played carefully, knew exactly what to do, and that’s why we won.

- Murilo played a defensive midfielder today. How did you come up with this decision?

- There wasn’t much choice, actually, with both Miranchuks injured. As it turned out, it was a right decision. Murilo played well. He has had an experience of playing in that position, but at Lokomotiv he has never done that neither during training sessions, nor in games. He’s been great – played straight without practice and did what we asked him to do. His objective was to be in front of the two central defenders where Bayer are good at passing the ball. Barinov and Krychowiak have been outstanding, they were good at both dismantling the opposition’s attacks and offensive actions.

- Was this victory accidental, or was it your plan? Vasiliy Utkin said shortly before the game…

- Why should I comment on him? Vasiliy is an extraordinary person. Let him be. It’s a 301st accidental victory, indeed... We’d better talk about our League schedule. After this game, how can you play at 11:30 a.m. on an artificial turf in Orenburg? Do you play football at 11:30 at all? You have breakfast at 11:30. And remember, we need to fly there first. Why don’t you talk about this? Who scheduled the game so early?

- Do you remember Lokomotiv’s last away victory in the Champions League?

- You mean against Galatasaray, when Yevseyev scored? Don’t recall the old – live in the now. Today’s victory is much more serious. But let’s not look too far ahead – we need to get ready for an 11:30 a.m. game in Orenburg. That’s the most important thing now.