The head coach of "Lokomotiv" Plamen Konstantinov, after the loss to Kazan's "Zenit" (1:3) in the second leg of the Russian Cup semi-final, answered not only questions about the game, which is why the conversation turned into a smallinterview for "BO Sport" and Almaz Khairov.

The Bulgarian specialist explained why Ilya Kazachenkov is more often a reserve this season, what is wrong with Yoandy Leal, and whether the Novosibirsk club is seeking the return of Konstantin Abaev.

- Specifically in today's game, everything was decided in the first set. We failed to defeat the opponent there. We had opportunities, but we couldn't take advantage of them. After that, the psychology shifted to Kazan's side. They started the second set with a lead, we couldn't catch up and stay in the game for the final. I think the first set was decisive.

- During the warm-up, you helped the team as a second setter. What happened to Igor Kobzar and how long will he be out?

- We can't say for now. I don't want to announce it prematurely. The problems are neurological. Doctors examined him, he underwent an MRI. Neurologists did not give permission for his participation. It became clear at the last moment that we were left with one setter. The decision was made at lunchtime. There was no time to react and call someone from the youth team.

- Dmitry Lyzik was clearly not at his level. Four serves - four errors, the attack also didn't work out. Does he also have health problems or just a bad day?

- Just a bad day. Every player can have a bad day, it happens. They are not machines. And it's impossible to predict whether the day will be successful or not. The most important thing at such a moment is for the reserves to help. We have players of sufficient quality on the bench. When there is an opportunity to show yourself, you must use your chance and get into the game faster. Our reserves took a long time to get into the game. They played well only in the third set, when everything was already lost. When there was no pressure, they performed better. But you have to come in immediately, from the first ball, and help, not after three or four lost rallies. This is also a lesson on how to come in as a substitute when needed.

- Ilya Kazachenkov was Lokomotiv's main opposite hitter and one of the best servers in the Super League, but this season he is more often a reserve. Has he stopped developing, or is Rajab Shahbanmirzaev so good that he outplays him?

- Both. There was a time when Ilya performed well, but then he somehow stopped. Now it's easy to find excuses. First of all, he needs a specific serve. Fast serves are not entirely comfortable for him.

Furthermore, he lost control of the ball, which is not a "Mikasa" but a "Volar". This is a different ball. Ilya had many clean attacks in various directions, including along the line. He was good at spiking along the line from both the back and front court. But with the "Volar" he lost control. The "Volar" is rubber, if we compare it to "Mikasa". And rubber needs different control. For some, the technique and hands suit this ball, for others - not.

Also, he doesn't always cope with expectations. It's one thing when there are no expectations of you, as it was in the first season. Then opponents already adjust to you, there's pressure in a team that wants to play for top places. And not everyone copes with this pressure. You, journalists, also don't leave them alone. Constantly these comparisons. Why Kazachenkov? Why not Sapozhkov? Why not Klets? Why not I don't know who. This also influences them.

- It seems this topic hasn't been discussed for a long time.

- Well, you started it and it continues. This affects them, they are constantly in some kind of competition. They have to show now who is better, who is worse, why they bet on one, why on the other. But ultimately, top players are those who can play under pressure. I know this affects, especially young players, but they must understand that at the highest level of sport there is always pressure. There is always attention, there are always expectations. Those who can unleash their maximum abilities under pressure have a champion's mentality. The rest are good players with quality, but they are not champions. Whoever shows such a mentality will be able to play in top teams. Top teams are not for everyone.

- At what percentage of his capabilities is Yoandy Leal playing now?

- I haven't seen Leal yet.

- The real one?

- I haven't seen him.

- Is this related to the injury, the shoulder problems?

- We resolved the shoulder issue. Everything that needed to be done - we did. We sent him to Italy for a specialist to examine him, give an opinion, a program. The issue is no longer the shoulder, but the training process. And his optimal game form, which we still haven't seen. He's far from what he should be. We took Leal as a power receiver, for the elements that bring points. To excel in attack, on serve, on block. But for now, we don't see that. And will we see it?

- He often becomes a target in reception for opponents.

- I leave reception for last. He is not a balancing receiver with reception, with an overall game, but a power receiver. What we need, he isn't showing yet.

- Transfer rumors are already starting to circulate. It is known that Micah Christenson is moving to Verona, and Konstantin Abaev might return from there to Russia. Will you fight for him?

- And why are you asking me?

- Because Abaev is a Lokomotiv alumnus. You developed him.

- We have developed many players and many of them play against us. So what? And did you ask Verbov?

- Not yet.

- But you should have asked him first. I heard that both Zenits are considering offers - both of them. We always have open doors for our alumni, but we are not first in line. As usual, by the way. We'll see where he goes. Why are you asking about setters at all? Now is not the time to talk about it. If the setter who is currently playing hears that we are considering someone else, how will he finish the season?

- Clubs themselves start forming their squads for the next season in October-November.

- Why are there no rumors about other clubs, but there are about us? Last year we start the playoffs - news appears that Ngapeth is at Lokomotiv. The receivers look and think: "That's it, we're not staying."