'We want to get back on the winning track'
On Wednesday Lokomotiv held another practice prior to the derby against Dynamo.
The team gathered at their base in Bakovka almost in full. Alexander Samedov, who represented Russia the day before, followed an individual training programme. Nemanja Pejcinovic is still recovering after an injury he picked up in the cup clash with Rubin, and also followed a workout designed for him. During the recovery, Nemanja had a chance to do some PR for the club when he and the youth team defender Alexander Dovbnya visited school 707 to spend time with children and invited them to come and see the game.
Oumar Niasse also took part in the practice. The Senegalese played with desire but still very carefully. He was wearing a wrist brace that allows him to limit his arm movement. In March, Oumar broke a metacarpus bone and had his arm operated.
- Of course I was upset. It's very annoying when you get injured early in the season, - said Niasse. - There're some restrictions in my training but I hope in a couple of weeks they will be lifted. Anyway, doctors will decide. Now I'm glad I'm practicing with the ball again, and with the team.
- It's interesting to know what you think about the Russian spring.
- It's a real winter! But I'm not surprised because I was ready for it even before I moved to Russia. I read that snow can sometimes stay till May. So I'm okay.
Alexey Miranchuk also had something to say. The youngster has finally managed to work under the guidance of Fabio Capello at the national team:
'Of course, it's a pity I didn't play against Kazakhstan. I practiced, and I had hope. When I was sitting on the bench I was ready to take any position, really, if only the coach allowed me to play. But it's okay, training with the national team is a great experience. Next time it will be easier. Although I felt pretty self-assured because there were many young players in the squad. Capello's practices are very intensive and interesting. Switching from the national team to the club? It's easy, we're pursuing high goals here, and the team-mates are very strong. There's a derby against Dynamo ahead, a big game for everyone. Three of our players are sidelined but we have a long bench and we'll make it' - said Miranchuk.
Beside Miranchuk, midfielder Mbark Boussoufa also returned from his national team. And all his thoughts are with the club now:
'Lokomotiv had a long unbeaten run before the break, and after the restart we won two important games. But the two bad games that followed... The international pause was good. We want to get back on the winning track. Especially keeping in mind there's a derby against Dynamo ahead. It's the club that we scored four goals against in the first leg, while now our finishing is far from perfect. But we realize this problem and we're working on improving our play.
Our last encounter with Dynamo was not only rich in goals, it also showed our spirit. We changed the run of play and won. A victory is what's important, not the amount of goals. Of course, we're trying to be successful up front but this success depends on the whole team.
It's going to be difficult without the disqualified players but we have strong subs who are eager to play. I'm sure they'll be able to fill in. The table? Yes, I'm following it. But you have to progress steadily from one game to another. A victory, another victory - this makes up for a good spot in the table. We had a good run and we feel the power to start another one. But Dynamo want it too. It's going to be a thrilling game!' - concluded Boussoufa.
...April 1st is a Fools' Day. But there were just a few jokes during the practice, as the coaches demanded to work really hard.
Boussoufa and the guys are right: the fixture against Dynamo is going to be thrilling and spectacular. Because it's a derby!
Read a big preview on our website tomorrow. And don't forget to support the players at the stadium! We need your support!
Dynamo will host Lokomotiv in Khimki on April 4th. The game is kicking off at 14:15. Live text comments will be available on the official website and the club's Twitter.
Information about the tickets can be found here.
Photo gallery of the practice can be found here.
