We continue our coverage for the Group D Champions league match between Rubin Kazan and Barcelona. After the match records, The match Preview, and the first interview with Docent, We continue sharing the thoughts of Rubin Kazan fans. Marat Gilmutdinov from Kazan generously offered his time to provide us with his thoughts about the match.
1) Starting from last season, where were you during the Matches played between Rubin Kazan and Fc Barcelona? How can you describe that experience?
Didn't manage to get to Spain for the first game, watched it on TV, enjoyed the game, the result, the goals, especially the first one, which noone saw)
I was at the stadium for the home fixture, and trust me, it was beautiful, the stadium was 110% full even though the weather wasn't that good. Felt like seeing a big final.
2) Last season Rubin Kazan's performance changed the way the world see the club. What kind of effect that season left on Rubin Kazan as a club and fans?
I think you answered the question yourself. Sometimes such moments happen in football, when big clubs loose to a newcomer, but on the other hand, imagine what a boost this can give to a club like Rubin in Russia. That Champions League campaign has made a big difference in the way people look at the team and the club as a whole. Nothing is impossible.
3) What was the first impression you had when you knew that you will play Fc Barcelona once again this season?
To be honest, we wanted a new experience, and I have to admit that beating Barca two years in a row is very difficult for any team. But Barcelona is not the same this season, some slight changes have been made, and it will be great to see them in Kazan once again.
4) How do you evaluate Rubin Kazan's performance so far in the Russian Premier league?
I think we are playing very well this season, even though we lost a number of important players through the summer transfer campaign and suffered many injuries at the beginning of the season. The new signings and some of the reserves have been brought in right when they were needed most, some of them look really impressive. Being the champion for the 3rd time in a row is very hard, but we are definitely aiming for the 2 top positions in the league.
5) Is Rubin Kazan this season a better team than last season?
I cannot overestimate the experience of playing in the champions league last season, even 6 matches on such high level makes a big difference. We have made some big signings is summer, and that should also contribute to the team's performance.
6) What are your thoughts concerning the Champions' league group this season compared to last season?
Completely different scenario and different expectations too. This year there is noone to surprise, people saw us play and will be more careful. I don't think Barca will find it difficult to qualify. The second team can be anybody. Panathinaikos are very good at home, have some experienced players on the squad list. The team from Denmark have already surprised us two weeks ago. Unpredictable+
7) Will Rubin qualify to the second round this time?
I believe Rubin can do it.
8) Rubin Kazan lost their first match in Copenhagen, how far will that affect their chances in the competition?
I think it will be decided on matchday 3 and matchday 4, when we play against the Greek side.
9) Was the defeat in Denmark a surprise? What went wrong?
It was a surprise, to be honest, because we had the game under control and created a few good chances, while Copenhagen made only a couple attempts on goal. I think a draw would have been a fair result. I suppose they were lucky.
10) How do you feel about the match tomorrow?
How does a football fan feel when Barcelona is coming to his town to play against his team?
11) What are your expectations about the match?
Should be a good game to watch, good weather, good pitch, players are fit..
12) Do you think Barcelona will be more difficult to beat this time or a less terrifying opponent after last season's results?
Barca are here for revenge, and that means a lot.
13) How did Rubin Kazan tactics changed since last season in your opinion?
They haven't changed much, but this season we have a wider selection of players to choose from, which allows to vary the formation and tactics on the way.
14) What is your predicted selection?
Ryzhikov - Ansaldi - Navas - Boketti - Salukvadze - Noboa - Murawski - Ryazantsev - Karadeniz - Eduardo - Kornilenko
15) What are the most dangerous players Rubin can count on for this game? How can Rubin Kazan Beat Barcelona?
Any of the attacking 4 can be dangerous. Also the defenders are good during set pieces.
16) What are the weaknesses that concern you for this match? Do you think that may cause troubles against Barcelona?
I think if we spend all the time just defending, sooner or later we will concede a goal. Playing an all-defensive game against Barca is not the best option.
17) Messi may not be fit enough to play, will that make things easier for Kazan?
Yes, of course Messi is a great player and is a key figure at Barcelona, but there are also other gifted players, I mean you have 8 world champions on your side)
18) Beside Messi, who is the player who can make the difference for Barcelona in this match against your team?
Iniesta, Villa?
19) What are Barcelona's weaknesses that you believe Rubin Kazan can expose?
Out of the whole squad the right-back and the left-back positions are the weak links, if you can call them that way)
20) How far Rubin Kazan are prepared for this match?
Physically - 90%, Mentally - 99%
21) Where will you watch this match?
At the stadium!!!
22) If you had two choices, either placing a bet of 10000 Rub that Kazan will win or your house and lifetime earnings on Barcelona's win, what will you prefer to bet on?
Neither
23) Predict a result.
DRAW 1-1
Thank you Marat, and hope you enjoy the match!
It is important to note that the game will be played earlier than usual. We will keep our eyes open for any new match facts that worth covering and will publish it here either in the comment session or as a new post, depending on the type of info.
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