Preparation

 

Sergey Sikachev, “Dinamo-Ak Bars” assistent coach:

 

- In a way, the recent games in the championship and the Russian Cup served as stages for us to prepare for the Champions League. The games were working out for us quite successfully. But now, in Italy, we will see what we are truly capable of. 

 

Of course, currently, all the teams are gearing up for this tournament. This year's format will also be unusual: three games with strong opponents will have to be played in just three days. Obviously, it won't be easy. The length of the subs’ bench and players’ physical condition will play a crucial role.

 

- Do the players show any anxiety before returning to the Champions League after a year of absence?

- I don't think the players have the jitters. We are systematically preparing for the tournament, and everything is going well and according to plan. In the past few days, we have had time to pull up our physical conditions. We’ve worked a lot in the gym, doing lots of weight-lifting exercises. Also, we had time to work on our interactions. At the previous game against Lipetsk, we tried to check some of our ideas for the Champions League – some things worked out, and some other things still need to be improved.

 

Evgenia Startseva, “Dinamo-Ak Bars” captain:

 

- Along with the games in the Russian championship, we were preparing for the Champions League. We had good matches, but there are still some vagaries. Now we are trying more to improve our game, to speed it up. We are working on it, and we strive to do it.

 

- Have you personally managed to get in shape after rehabilitation?

- I don't think it's so important to get in top shape right now. But I’m already feeling much better than at the beginning of the season.

 

Olga Biryukova, “Dinamo-Ak Bars” outside hitter:

 

- The previous game against Lipetsk turned out to be more than just good. Now we are getting ready for the Champions League: we have prepared a few things, and it was important for us to try them at this game. Also, in general, it was just important to play well in many elements to go on to Italy and play there with full confidence. Although the Champions League level is undoubtedly different: there you have to be more focused on handling the ball, serving, making fewer mistakes, and so on.

 

Competitors

 

Sikachev:

The Italian and Polish teams will probably be our main rivals in the struggle to advance from the group to the play-off. With the coaching staff, we have managed to watch a few of their matches. Of course, every year, players move from team to team. However, for instance, in Novar, there are several players who are well known to us from the last season of their games with Busto Arsiziмo. In addition, the teams' play also changes in the course of the season: at its start, it is one thing, and in the midseason, quite another. The main task is to reach the finish line successfully.

 

Startseva:

- It’s Champions League: all competitors there are strong! I can only say that everything depends on us. Of course, we want to win, score points, and move on to the play-off. That's why we are preparing hard for this tournament. 

 

Biryukova:

- All the teams we have to play with are, in general, in plain sight. We crossed paths with some of them earlier. But, of course, there have been roster updates everywhere, so we will need to see all players anew and understand what they can show in the game now.

 

Safety

 

Sikachev:

- We haven't heard of any special safety measures yet. We assume there will be already known measures and restrictions: masks, mandatory testing, and other measures to reduce unnecessary contact. In general, as everywhere now.

 

Startseva:

- I think the measures will be standard. We will protect ourselves in the Champions League just the same way we are trying to do it here, at the Russian championship. All games will be held strictly behind closed doors. I assume we won't even be able to leave the hotel. I think, in Italy, it will be as safe for us as in Kazan. 

 

Biryukova:

- Do you have any fears about the trip in terms of the epidemiological situation?

-You asked the wrong person! (laughs) I personally have no fears, but others do. Most importantly, we are glad that we are going to the Champions League! Of course, there will be certain safety conditions, and they need to be adhered to. We will prepare masks, gloves, and go. But it's already great that we can play in the Champions League because everything could be different and much sadder this season.