Rudnev getting Dinamo back on track

Two years ago Yuri Rudnev led MFK Dinamo Moskva to the UEFA Futsal Cup title in Murcia, only to lose their grip on the trophy last year on home territory. Rudnev left the club in January but returned last month and as they prepare for this year's finals, beginning with Friday's last-four encounter against hosts and holders MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg, he spoke to uefa.com.

uefa.com: How important is home advantage in this tournament?

Yuri Rudnev: The fans will get behind Viz-Sinara to spur them on but I don't think it would affect us in a negative way. Quite the opposite, the crowd create a special atmosphere which makes you want to fight and win.

uefa.com: Dinamo have had quite a few injury problems in recent matches. What is the current situation?

Rudnev: We will definitely be without Sergei Ivanov as he has a collarbone injury and is now out until the end of the season having undergone surgery. As for all the rest, they are fit.

uefa.com: The teams in the final four are almost the same as last year: Dinamo, Viz, Kairat Almaty and Interviú Madrid [instead of ElPozo Murcia FS]. Who are favourites?

Rudnev: There are no favourites. The clubs who qualified for the semi-finals have already proved they are the leading teams in Europe. All but Kairat have UEFA Cups under their belts. All of them are capable of winning the trophy this time. Much will depend on luck.

uefa.com: Do you expect attractive futsal in the finals? Or will they be tight, tense affairs?

Rudnev: The latter, I think. These are play-offs where willpower, organisation and discipline come to the fore. There tournaments gather top-class players and the ones who want it the most win.

uefa.com: Earlier this season you were replaced by Sérgio Sapo as Dinamo coach but returned to the helm two months later. How did those changes affect the team?

Rudnev: I don't think much has changed. In recent matches, especially in the [victorious] Russian Cup final against Viz-Sinara, the lads were back at their best and showed they are true winners. We managed to regain our poise. The only thing that bothers me now is the absence of two of our goalscorers. We have to rebuild our game and deploy versatile players as strikers. But I'm sure we are on the right track.