SUPERSTAR BALE IS HUNGRY FOR SUCCESS AFTER LIONS’ MAULING
IT WILL be a case of no love from Russia for the Welsh tomorrow as they face a side determined not to finish up as big-time losers.
The Russians, with just one point from their opening two games, have been given a dressing down from manager Leonid Slutsky – with their volatile fans turning on the team too.
So to say they are up for the clash in Toulouse is a vast understatement, with opponents Wales close to qualifying from Group B even after their defeat to old enemies England.
The Russians will leapfrog Wales should they take maximum points against Chris Coleman’s side and they could still qualify for the knockout stages by finishing in third place.
“It is obvious that the situation in the group is rather complicated,” said Russia boss Slutsky.
“Before the last round each team has a chance to proceed to the play-off. So the competition will be fierce until the last match.
“It is common knowledge Wales have two top players who will draw particular attention – Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
“But in a match decisive for the final team standings it will be more important how the whole team plays, not individual players.”
Slutsky has given his under-performing troops a kick up the backside ahead of the Wales clash and is demanding they finally give him – and the fans – value for money.
He is only being paid expenses with the Russian federation £30million in debt after Fabio Capello was sacked last July, pocketing a £10.5m pay-off.
Russia will be taking no prisoners against the Welsh with midfielder Denis Glushakov, 29, who scored in the 2-1 defeat to Slovakia, pledging that they only have one option – to win.
He said: “We need to move forward and give it 100 per cent – or even 200 per cent – and then we will get a result. We don’t have any other option against Wales – we have to win.”
Winger Fedor Smolov is hoping the team can repay the boss for his commitment to the cause without cash.
He said: “The only positive so far is we still have a chance and we have to make our fans happy, not only with the result but the performance.
“This is what we will try to do against Wales and give our country a performance they can be proud of.”