Leonid Kuchuk: "Russian Championship Is Tough"

Lokomotiv manager Leonid Kuchuk told the post-match press-conference the Russian Premier League is a high-level tournament and said Lokomotiv are fighting for the gold medals.

- How is Maicon? How bad is his injury?
- Give us time. The game ended five minutes ago, I cannot comment on his injury now. After we've conducted a medical check I will be able to answer you question.

- Why were Lokomotiv's attacks not that effective today?
- There were opponents on the pitch, and they defended well and hard. In the games like this you cannot create many chances. We had opportunities in the end of the first half, and in the second too, but we were unlucky.

- Did you somehow felt the pressure of Zenit's victory the day before?
- To be honest, it does not matter when you play, before or after. You simply have to prepare well, all the rest is meaningless.

- Don't you think Aleksey Miranchuk and Sergey Tkachyov could have been more useful if they started? They are both strong in passing.
- Any player should be able to make passes. But it's also important to have opportunities to make them. When you don't, you start searching for spaces and going there, either using tackles or your skill. But Tkachyov got injured in the game against Volga.

- You compared the derby with Spartak to a Champions' League game. What do you thing about today's match?
- The Russian championship is tough. Most teams employ dense play, do not allow to create spaces and are physically strong. Anji demonstrated their good level in a Europa League game with AZ, and the Dutch are a top-flight team who regularly play in international European competitions. So judge for yourself.

- Do Zenit have an advantage in the gold medal race?
- What do you think?

- Now they're a bit ahead.
- When we were six points behind, was that also "a bit"? We're almost level -  so what? Are we going to give up now? We are going to play and reach the necessary result. I never give up while the season is on. It's my habit. So I'm okay with it.

- Lokomotiv have a chance to win gold medals but they are failing to attract many fans to the stadium. Why do you think this happens?
- How can I explain it? Those who come support us well, and I want to thank them. Of course if the stands would sell out regularly it would be great because fans add energy. But the reality is different.