Alonso's winning formula for Interviú

No team has won three UEFA Futsal Cup titles but Spanish side Interviú Madrid aim to put that right this year. Victories in 2004 and 2006 drew them level with the mark set by compatriots Playas de Castellón FS in the previous two inaugural seasons, but they suffered a last-gasp loss in the 2007 decider against MFK Dinamo Moskva, the first since the switch to the format of a one-off four-team finals event. This year's showpiece begins on Friday in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, with Interviú facing Kairat Almaty for a place in Sunday's final. Juan Luis Alonso replaced long-time Interviú coach Jesús Candelas last summer and he spoke to uefa.com about their hopes.

uefa.com: Kairat Almaty are a rich club but Interviú beat them on the way to winning the 2005/06 title. How do you see the semi-final going?

Juan Luis Alonso: The first advantage that Kairat have is that they aren't under pressure. Their objective was to qualify for the finals and they've achieved that. From now on, and with the experience some of their players have, they are going to take to the tournament with confidence because they've nothing to lose. They have players with contrasting qualities and with experience of the Spanish league. These factors make them dangerous.

uefa.com: They also have a lot of Brazilian players. Do you think this makes them more dangerous or more predictable in terms of you knowing the Brazilian style of futsal?

Alonso: I think they are dangerous opponents above all because of their experience. The Kazakh players have less knowledge of futsal on an international level but they have various international players from Brazil and Italy and that makes them a tricky team.

uefa.com: You've worked at Interviú with Jesús Candelas in the past but how has it been moving from smaller clubs to lead a side aiming for the European title?

Alonso: Firstly, there is a great sense of responsibility. I feel I am prepared for it as working alongside Candelas in my last spell with the club allowed me to understand the weight and significance of the role.

uefa.com: What would it mean to you for this club to become the first three-time UEFA Futsal Cup winners?

Alonso: I hold out an enormous hope especially taking into account that it's a title we haven't won for a few years now. Furthermore, it's been a couple of seasons since we lost the final against Dinamo Moskva in the last minute and now we have the chance to gain revenge for that.

uefa.com: Will the absence of Marquinho your performance?

Alonso: We have a big squad but obviously I'd have preferred if he were there. Marquinho has certain characteristics that few other players in the world have and logically his absence takes something from our potential. We lose variety in our play because of the particular things Marquinho brings. But despite that, the squad is competitive enough.