President’s support gives hosts a boost, says coach

Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov believes messages of support from president Vladimir Putin provide extra motivation for him and his players.

Putin attended the team’s World Cup opening win against Saudi Arabia and although he has not been present at their other matches, he has been keeping in touch with Cherchesov.

“Putin has been calling me. He called me before the Spanish game (in the last 16), and of course when the president supports you it makes you comfortable and the players know this,” he told his pre-match press conference ahead of tonight’s quarter-final against Croatia.

“It is just an extra boost in terms of motivation.”

The hosts’ surprise progress to the quarter-final has ramped up the hopes of home fans but Cherchesov insists – aside from taking calls from the president – he is trying to steer clear of the hype.

“As a coach I am trying not to watch the TV, I don’t read papers, I am concentrating on my job. I believe that is the same for the players,” he added.

“I am trying not to get distracted. If I get a newspaper I will read a headline. Criticism is good but I believe we should have our eyes and ears open.

“We Russians like extremes so let’s not go to these extremes. I believe it should be constructive, analytical criticism.”

Russia have been boosted by the return of experienced midfielder Alan Dzagoev.

The CSKA Moscow star has not featured since a hamstring injury forced him off after 24 minutes of the 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia.