- The entry of the youth national team of Russia to the European Championship was almost the main football event last weekend. Have you met fans at the airport?
- We arrived this Monday, and in Moscow we were met by journalists and about 300 fans. Officials congratulated us on Sunday, when they achieved the desired result with the Dutch. After the airport, the players scattered around their homes and clubs - there was no time to celebrate, everyone had contractual obligations.
- Which of the three qualifiers did you like best?
- Against Holland. It was the most interesting match, despite the fact that it ended with the score 0-0. It’s even a pity that the Russian fans could not see the game. The Dutch were the best team in our group, they played better than us and the players in their class are higher. If their team was a club and played in the Russian Premier League, then they would have hit at least the top five. But thanks to the right tactics and teamwork, we got to the European Championship, not them.
- They say that in this match you had two hundred percent moments?
- Yes, once I missed from an acute angle, and the second goalkeeper saved. And there was a moment when the goalkeeper fouled on me, but the judge did not appoint a penalty. I got the ball in the penalty area, moved forward and was about to strike, as the goalkeeper rushed forward and hit my legs with my hand. But he managed to do it so cleverly that he dropped me and grabbed the ball with the same movement. Foul is not entirely certain, but you could put a penalty. The arbiter did not do this.
- And the England team?
- A good team, but they have a problem - implementation of the moments. I remember two years ago, the British 88th year of birth were very strong, but now such an unforgettable team has grown out of them.
- Who will be the main favorite in the final of the European Championship?
- I was told that a very strong generation grew up in Germany. France and Italy play very well. I am not talking about Turkey, because this is not original. As soon as they talk about youth football, they recall the Turks. Although if only eight teams participate in the tournament, then there will probably be no obvious outsiders.
In the first division, the level of teams is higher than in the doubles tournament. And more salaries
- You belong to CSKA, but are on loan at Tekstilshchik from Ivanovo. How do you like the city of brides?
- I would say that it is very green. And about brides - local football players said that in other cities girls come across prettier. When the coaches of Tekstilshchik provide us with a day off, I immediately go by car to my parents and friends in Moscow. In general, in the first division, the average level of teams is higher than in the understudy tournament, it is more interesting to play, and there are more salaries. This year the teams play very smoothly and six or seven clubs aspire to enter the elite. It is a pity that the Tekstilshchik is still at the bottom of the standings.
- When you come to Moscow, do you go to CSKA matches?
- No, it does not work out yet. I only get to double matches. This week CSKA and Zenit doubles played, ours won 2-1, it was very interesting to watch the guys I played with last year. And with the players from the adult team only occasionally call back.
Vadim SINAEV