Diniyar Bilyaletdinov: “We were told not to stop”

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, midfielder of the Russian national team and Lokomotiv, told Sport Today why he was unhappy in Tallinn and why the team failed to play as cool in the first half as in the second.

- Diniyar, did you like the match?

- I can’t say whether the game turned out interesting or not. But we, so to speak, were cooler.

- In the first half, it was difficult.

- I do not think that it was more difficult before the break. We just just scored in the second 45 minutes.

- And why did the Estonians create moments?

- Yes, we just quickly started and made a mistake.

- And more than once.

- Yes, two. Then the opponent could score a goal for us.

- But it was you who counted on the quick goal before the game. What didn’t work out?

- But to score and failed. Yes, and they cooled us ... Or rather, we ourselves have cooled. Made too many mistakes.

- Because of nerves or because of the field?

- Maybe the nerves prevented, but it is possible that the field. Although I do not think that lawns are better in Russia now.

- The team came in an unexpected composition. Is this the team of the future?

- I do not know. In my opinion, they are now demanding a result from Russia. So we will try to benefit now and here.

- What moment of the match was a turning point?

- The first goal.

- And did you feel the support of the audience?

- Oh yeah. It was a complete feeling that we were playing at home. We had a very solid support group - this certainly helped. There were, however, some “buts.”

- What exactly?

- I did not like how local fans behaved during the performance of the national anthem of Russia. I hope this will be sorted out. I don’t understand why our anthem is so disrespectful.

- What did Guus Hiddink say during the break? Still, after the first half, the score did not suit us.

- He said not to slow down and score.

- Wasn’t it hard for such a small and light striker to fight against powerful Estonian defense?

- Not. Our players are above level.

Alexey Shevchenko, Tallinn


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