Before the start of the season, almost all experts called Lokomotiv the main rival of Zenit in the fight for the Championship. Mikhail Galaktionov’s side had a big part of the spring last season, avoiding relegation and moving to mid-table. But in the last months of this already new stalemate, the “railroad workers” do not seem like themselves and questions arise for both defenders and attackers.
A lot of criticism had to be heard in his direction and in Dziuba. Despite his 35 years, respectable by football standards, a lot is expected of him. The striker hasn’t shined in terms of performance this summer (one goal in four Premier League games), but Lokomotiv without Artem doesn’t seem to know what to do on the pitch. Without the injured Dzyuba, the Muscovites collected just two points from two rounds of the championship and fell to the bottom of the table. As soon as the striker returned, the railwaymen beat Sochi, and the team looked clearly better than in previous matches.
– The guys showed character and managed to win on grass not easier. Of course, the return of Dzyuba had an influence. With him we simplified the tactics a bit, but there were moments in which we created chances. In general, there is a need to increase implementation. Artem himself played only the first match after the break, it was not easy for him. And I am very satisfied with the three points, especially considering the strength of the opponent, – stated the coach of Lokomotiv Mikhail Galaktionov.
Without Artem, the “red-greens” in two rounds scored only two points. In the match against Sochi, the 35-year-old forward gave an assist
The former defender of the Moscow club, the two-time champion of Russia, Dmitry Sennikov, shared his opinion on the prospects of Lokomotiv with RG.
Did you like the Lokomotiv match against Sochi?
Dmitry Sennikov: Taking into account the poor quality of the grass, the guests showed a more than decent game. Let’s pay attention to the statistics: Locomotive made nine shots on goal and Sochi none. This says a lot. Muscovites were closer to victory, only sometimes Zabolotny saved the hosts, sometimes they were just unlucky. In general, scoring three points in these conditions, showing character, is a very good sign for the team.
Did the return of Dzyuba influence?
Dmitri Sennikov: Of course. In any condition, he distracts the attention of defenders, it is difficult to act against him, especially when Artem prepares the body. With Sochi he had several good stretches, also gave an assist to Glushenkov.
Doesn’t Lokomotiv depend too much on Dzyuba?
Dmitry Sennikov: I would not say that. Yes, a lot depends on Artem, but I would still associate the bad results of recent times with the physical condition of the team. The “Locomotive” has not yet reached its peak of form, the players will still win. Little by little they will reach the level they had in spring. At the same time, with Dziuba, it is nonsense to deny that the game of the “red and green” in attack seems more powerful. With it more options, more room for manoeuvre.
Can the “Railway” catch up with the top three?
Dmitri Sennikov: Of course. I would draw parallels with Akhmat. The Grozny team, like Lokomotiv, never trusts a quick start to the season. They get up a bit. Lately the rojiverdes have been increasingly criticized, but they only lost one game. The same “Spartak” is ahead of the “railroad” only one point, the leader “Krasnodar” – five. I see that Lokomotiv has a reserve for growth and also has a competent coach. There is a whole season ahead and much more to come.
Meanwhile
On Tuesday the matches of the third day of the group stage of the Russian Cup will be played within the framework of the RPL Way. The central event of the day is the meeting between Spartak and Dynamo.
When the calendar of a championship or any other tournament includes a confrontation between the “rojiblancos” and Dynamo, all the other matches automatically go to the background. The oldest derby in the country always attracts great attention. The more interesting, who will be even stronger.
Of course, Spartak feel more pressure before the game on Tuesday. The rojiblancos lost remarkably after a brilliant start to the season: the team did not win three games in a row in all competitions. There were even rumors about the possible resignation of the Spanish coach Guillermo Abascal. Abascal is unlikely to retire anytime soon, but he needs a result in the Dinamo derby. Otherwise, the criticism against him will be harsher.
As for the blue and whites, as promised by the coach of the Czech national team Marcel Lichka, they never let you get bored. Dinamo shows brilliant football, with an emphasis on attack, but also with many mistakes in defense. By the way, in the match against Spartak, Lichka promised to release newcomers to the club from him – Mexican Luis Chavez and former Colombian CSKA midfielder Jorge Carrascal.
Finally, a few words about the situation on the table of group “D”. The leaders of this quartet are Spartak (six points), followed by Dinamo (four), Pari NN (two) and Krasnodar (zero).
where we will look
Tuesday August 29, “Match TV”
19.15. Spartak – Dynamo. Russian Cup. Live broadcast
