Anton Miranchuk: Thanks to the lads for standing strong

Lokomotiv midfielder Anton Miranchuk tells us of his debut as a starter in the match against Ural (2:1) that took place during Gameweek 29 of the ROSGOSSTRAKH Russian Championship.

- It did not make me jittery. I felt I was up to the task. And the squad encouraged me saying I would cope with it.

- What was Aleksey’s response when he learned you were starting?

- It was positive. The importance of this game stood clear. We wanted to come on and show that we could be a team. Each has to do his job on the field – that leads to success.

- You were deployed slightly deeper than your brother. Are you comfortable with that position?

- I am. It felt indeed a bit uneasy in the opening minutes, but then we got into the groove. We got chances on goal and eventually scored twice.

- What happened that the referee sent you off?

- I believe I was wrongly booked the first time. The second yellow card was fair, though. I would like to thank the lads for standing strong. I waited on tenterhooks realizing how difficult it had to be for them.