"Dynamo Makhachkala is the kryptonite of Spartak

The second round of the "RPL Paths" group stage of the Russian Cup, which is taking place in the middle of this week, has already become a sensation. Dynamo Makhachkala scored an away victory over Spartak Moscow in a penalty shootout (4:3). However, this can only be called a sensation relatively, since the red and white are in crisis at the start of the season, and the Dagestani club has been beating Spartak players for several times since last year's relegation.

Last season, Makhachkala scored two away wins in the championship (2:1) and the National Cup (0:1), achieved a home draw in the championship (1:1) and lost only in the Cup at home (0:1). In the current championship, Dynamo started with a 0-1 defeat to Spartak, but after four rounds it is above him in the standings, having scored one point more. Moreover, the total budget of Makhachkala residents for the season is much less than the amounts of some Spartak transfers.

Defender Valentin Paltingov, who was called up to the Russian national team last fall, remains one of the leaders of the Dagestan club for the second year. This summer, there were rumors about Krasnodar's interest in him, and then Spartak. In an interview with Izvestia, the 24-year-old football player shared his opinion on the starting results of the Makhachkala team, spoke about the reaction to the interest of the red and white team and assessed the closest rivals of the Russian national team for the autumn matches — Jordan, Qatar, Iran, Bolivia, Peru and Chile.

— How does your team manage to beat Spartak so consistently?

— We are probably the kryptonite of Spartak.

— How did you become one?

— I don't know... to be honest and without joking, we played very well in the last match. I am happy with the team and the actions of all the players. Everyone has shown that we can play football and can play to win with any team.

— How would you rate your team's start this season in both tournaments — the lead in the Cup group and five points after four rounds, tenth place and being next to Zenit and Dynamo Moscow?

— I think we could have played better in the championship.

— Where are the glasses missing?

— Probably in Orenburg, when they missed the victory.

— Considering the departure of a number of foundation players in the offseason, can we call the starting results satisfactory?

— Well, which number of players left us? Only Abubakar Hajiyev and Egash Kasintura.

— That's what I'm talking about. Both were significant players for Dynamo Makhachkala last season.

— I agree, the guys played an important role in our team. But still, we didn't lose that many players. So it's not worth referring to losses — you need to play to win every match and score even more points.

— How are you affected by the talk about Spartak's interest in you?

"Nothing." It doesn't affect my mood or motivation in any way. I try not to pay attention to all these rumors. If there is any direct contact with me, then fine. For now, it's just a rumor. I learn everything from the Internet, just like you. So I just work in training and try to play well in matches. All thoughts are about helping Dynamo Makhachkala to be as high as possible in the table.

— Was there a desire to show yourself in front of Spartak in the last match?

— I have a desire to prove myself in any match. Regardless of the opponent.

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— In the news about Spartak's interest in you, the transfer amount of €5 million constantly comes up, which is about a quarter of the budget of Dynamo Makhachkala. Are you ready to help your current club financially?

— Will Spartak be ready to pay this money for me in the end?

— Well, if they are ready to pay €27 million for Jedson, then why not pay 5 million for you?

— I think the red and white have a good transfer policy. And they're giving €27 million for a very high-quality player.

— What are the goals of Dynamo Makhachkala now? What result in the championship will you consider successful?

— Ask me about the tour before the finish. For now, the most important thing is to be as high in the table as possible.

— How do you like the opponents of the Russian national team, who have been announced for six autumn matches?

— Good rivals. Strong ones. The first two teams, Jordan and Qatar, qualified for the World Cup. This means that these are high-quality teams. It will be interesting to play with them if I am called up to the national team.