Fabio Capello: I will decide on the Matchday who will be fielded

National Team of Russia captain Roman Shirokov and Head Coach Fabio Capello had a planned pre-match press-conference.

Roman Shirokov:

- National Team of Russia is in a very complicated tournament situation. Why?

- It is difficult to say. In the previous qualifying cycle we completed our task in advance. In this one, we are not able so far.

- What is the strongest advantage of Montenegro team?

- It is a very good team with quick turning from defense to the attack, powerful support of their fans and strong forwards. It will be very hard for us on Friday.

- Before the World Cup you were injured. Now you returned to the National Team. Please compare your playing condition then and now.

- I am always good. My present condition is very close to the optimal one.

- Rules of conduct for the National Team of Russia have been announced recently. Have you already violated anything?

- If I am here, it means I have not.

- How do you like conditions in Montenegro?

- So far I like everything I see. I heard that the pitch is not good. But it is in a perfect condition.

- Montenegro players say that a failure or even a draw will be a disaster for the tournament hopes. What do you think about such results? Montenegro team: draw or defeat means finish. Russia has the same number of points. What is your opinion on the situation?

- The situation does not allow us not only to lose, but to even think about a draw. We shall be playing to win.

- There is a monument to Vladimir Vysotskiy in Podgorica. Which songs and films by him are your favourite ones?

- Vysotskiy has a lot of outstanding songs. And as for the films – “The Meeting Point Cannot be Changed”.

Fabio Capello:

- You already played in Podgorica with National team of England. It was a draw then 2:2. Do you remember that match now?

- I always liked coming to this country. Besides I have perfect relationships with Dejan Savicevic, the President of the local Football Federation. I have the warmest memories of that game.

- Can we expect to see the first show of Portnyagin in the main squad due to the not so good condition of Kokorin and Dzyuba?

- About not so good condition, it is your personal opinion. All three players are with the National Team right away and are training accordingly.  I will decide on the matchday who will be fielded.

- Why do you think Kororin has not scored since November neither in the Championship, nor in European Cups?

- Because there was a three-month winter break.

After this reply Capello laughed – quite a rare occasion.