The Loko guard spoke about how the team is preparing for the match against CSKA.
- What is the team’s mood like as you prepare for what is probably the most difficult game of this away trip?
- The last two games were also difficult. The game with Zenit was very tough, despite the fact that we won with a solid difference and scored a lot of points. In Samara, the opponent played the first half with us almost on equal terms. Of course, we are seriously preparing for the game with CSKA, but I think we should not put hyper-responsibility on ourselves. To win, we just need to go out and show everything we are capable of, fight for every ball (of course, within the rules).
- Did BJ Johnson's injury affected the team?
- Of course, we will miss BJ. But this is sport, and injuries are part of it. We wish him a quick recovery and hope that he will be able to cope with this, first of all, mentally.
- During this trip, the team encounters one incident after another: either the flight from St. Petersburg delays, or the bus get into a road accident on the way to training. Does this bother you?
- No, that's kinda fun for me. These are impressions. Sometimes they are positive, sometimes negative. And it's cool that we have such an unusual life: something is happening all the time. I will definitely have something to share with my relatives and friends when I return. The main thing is that everyone is alive!
- The number of days between games is always different – sometimes 3, sometimes 5. Doesn’t that put you off your rhythm?
- It's not the first time we've had such a long trip, so we're used to it. We train every day, analyze the opponent, so I can say that we are well prepared for every next game.
- What will be the most important against CSKA?
- First of all, we need to be good in defense. Tight contact and fast transitions are our strong point, because we have many players who can create attack opportunities for themselves and their partners. CSKA also has high-class and experienced players, and they know what to do in attack. If we can show the defense what we can do, then the attack will come. I am sure everything will be great!
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