Defensive pair in positive mood

By Eduard Nisenboim

Sergei Ignashevitch's winter move from FC Lokomotiv Moskva to PFC CSKA Moskva sparked fears that the old problem for Europe's less fashionable clubs in the spring stage of the UEFA Champions League - namely, the sale of top players during the transfer window - would strike the 2002 Russian champions.

Job for duo
The job of securing Lokomotiv's central defence now lies with Gennadi Nizhegorodov and Oleg Pachinine - and they will hold the key when AS Monaco FC visit Moscow tonight for their UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie. Both men believe they can stop free-scoring Monaco and keep their team in the competition.

New era
Addressing the issue of Ignashevitch's departure, Pachinine told uefa.com: "He was a good player but usually played as a defensive midfielder. We had a good understanding on the pitch but that's life. We have to go on without him." Nizhegorodov continued: "Lokomotiv still play four or five defenders in a line. But I think [Vadim] Evseev and [Jacob] Lekcetho] can easily be called wing-backs."

'Different tactics'
Lokomotiv are still in their domestic close season, but have conceded a number of goals in recent warm-up matches. Russian international Nizhegorodov is untroubled, saying: "Everything is fine. We tried different tactics in those games, so results were not our main goal."

Monaco talent
Monaco, though, scored 15 goals in the first group stage, including a record 8-3 win against RC Deportivo La Coruña. They also lead France's Ligue 1 by four points, and boast talents such as Dado Pršo, Fernando Morientes, Ludovic Giuly and Jérôme Rothen.

'Skilful players'
"We watched a couple of their games on televison," Nizhegorodov said. "They are very disciplined thanks to [coach] Didier Deschamps. That is the main reason they are leading the French championship although Monaco have skilful players too. Morientes, Pršo, Rothen and Giuly can win any game on their own."

Morientes threat
Morientes is a particular worry for Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin. Nizhegorodov said of the Spanish international: "I remember him playing for Real Madrid [CF]. He is fast, has good technical ability, and can shoot with either foot. Semin has already pointed out to us that most Monaco attacks start through him - the goalkeeper launches the ball to Morientes and he either passes it to someone or tries to score himself."

'Every chance'
However, both Lokomotiv defenders believe their side can overcome the French leaders. The 29-year-old Uzbekistani international Pachinine said: "If we are on our game we have every chance of making the quarter-finals." Nizhegorodov added: "I agree with Oleg. We have to play like we did towards the end of last year. If we do, no one can stop us."

Experience vital
Pachine also had a warning for Monaco. "Lokomotiv have enough Champions League experience to surprise anyone," he said. And can they go all the way? "This is football, anything can happen."