“Miranchuk is the only creator in Torino”

– “Real” once again became the world champion among clubs. What is the status of this trophy in the corresponding hierarchy?

– One of the most significant, no matter what they say about him. To begin with, you still need to get there, that is, win the main tournament of your continent. If someone is skeptical about African or Asian football, let him see how they both added at the club level. A “Real” is certainly the most stable team on the planet, which once again proved.

– But conceding three goals from a Saudi club in the final is not an element of the show, is it?

– This is an indicator of the opponent’s strength and aggression. It was a very serious game, with great internal tension. And the balls conceded by the Spaniards are by no means evidence of some kind of relaxation, and even more so of some kind of show.

– In this case, this is the result of the uncertain game of the Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, do you agree?

– Not at all. For me, he quite worthily replaced the injured Courtois in the “frame”, and helped out a lot. There were some micro-errors, but in general he rightfully plays for such a club.

– Carlo Ancelotti said after the victory that he would not leave the Royal Club until they kicked him out. Is this some kind of public game?

– And who left the “Real” on their own? Such an environment, microclimate, financial conditions have been created there that it would never occur to anyone to voluntarily leave this post. There are always a lot of stars in the team, so who better to work with them than the outstanding football psychologist Ancelotti.

– Meanwhile, in the Spanish championship, “Barcelona” did not miss the opportunity to increase the gap from the “Real”. Can’t catch up with the Catalans?

– I think it’s still ahead. But with the advent of Xavi, of course, there is a clear progress. With the structure of their game, Barça is beginning to resemble Guardiola’s team. The only thing missing is Messi. But they have created an almost perfect defense that has never been their strong point before.

– For another recently equally confident leader, things began to decline. London “Arsenal” will again be caliph for an hour?

– Now other times than under Wenger, a different coach. The players themselves say that they will bring the matter to a victorious end, exude confidence. Let’s see.

– But Manchester City this time did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity, and now they are only three points behind the leader (albeit when playing in reserve at Arsenal). Agree, Pep Guardiola’s wards look like Premier League favorites again?

– “City” – a more experienced and balanced team in all lines. Plus there is Holland, who is able to solve the game alone. Therefore, they are quite capable of eliminating the backlog at such a distance.

– “Chelsea” and with new multimillion-dollar acquisitions cannot win in any way. Why, even in the absence of teamwork, does individual skill not come to the rescue?

– It sometimes harms collective action, which we see now in this example. Less aggression. Well, perestroika after the Abramovich era leaves its mark. The club atmosphere always plays a huge role.

– The main event of the football weekend for us happened in France, where Alexander Golovin scored the ball against PSG. Shouldn’t he, probably, leave Monaco anywhere?

– It should be his decision, he is quite ripe for independent actions. In France, Sasha achieved success, grew into a European-level player. Importantly, the owner of the club, Rybolovlev, who personally invited him, believes in him. The team is always in second or third positions, which is quite worthy.

– In the first, taking into account the shallow composition of “PSG” this year will not wave?

– I doubt. Mbappe, Neymar and others will return soon.

– Alexey Miranchuk, the second Russian star in the European sky, this time was not so convincing. His “Torino” gave way to the frigid “Milan”, and remains a solid middle peasant in the “A” series. This is the current level of your ward?

– I think that Lesha had a very decent match. The only person who is trying to create in Torino makes extraordinary and correct decisions at the same time. The rest are simpler there, but he created a great moment for his partner, he could have scored. Thinks, as it was in our “Loco”, a few moves ahead. It can be seen that he got to his coach, who gives him maximum time to play. In Atalanta, he still managed to show something in 5-10 minutes, but here you can see that he enjoys it.

– Never ceases to amaze Khvich Kvaratskhelia. Another goal for Napoli, a lot of personal achievements, a phenomenal lead in the championship, and yet only yesterday he turned 22 …

– His talent was visible immediately. Already in Loko, he came as an extraordinary guy who retained from his youthful years the desire and ability to beat, which many pass over time. In Italy, a sense of passing was added and, which is very important, adaptation quickly took place. It became clear that football is a team sport. Therefore, Khvicha’s unique stroke is now working entirely for the benefit of the team. I learned how to defend myself, and the connection with Osimhen was amazing. In other words, everything grew together overnight. And Napoli today plays the most modern and vibrant football.

– Already on Tuesday, February 14, Bayern and PSG resume the Champions League at the 1/8 final stage. What do you expect from this confrontation, if the leaders of the French club do return?

– In any case, from the Champions League matches I always look forward to a holiday, fireworks of beautiful moments and the brightest football. These teams, I have no doubt, will provide us with a fantastic spectacle.