Lokomotiv Moscow’s Nair Tiknizyan Reflects on Duty and Weather in Football
Lokomotiv Moscow midfielder Nair Tiknizyan emphasized a central principle for professional football players: they must fulfill their duties, even when conditions are far from ideal. Speaking to reporters, he underscored that players are compensated to perform at the highest level, which includes competing in challenging weather and field conditions. He added that commitment and sincerity are essential, noting that the stands were not comfortable for spectators this time, yet the fans’ support remained evident and deeply appreciated.
On December 3, during the 17th round of the Russian Premier League, Lokomotiv faced Zenit St. Petersburg. The match concluded with a 3-1 result in favor of Zenit, with kickoff originally scheduled for 16:30 Moscow time but delayed to 17:00 due to heavy snowfall in the capital. The delay was managed by Russian Railways Arena staff, who worked to clear the pitch from snow so the game could proceed. This situation illustrated how weather can impact scheduling and logistics in top-tier football, even as teams prepare to compete at a high level.
Lokomotiv entered the match with 28 points after 17 rounds, holding a share of fourth place alongside Dinamo and CSKA. In the broader league context, Krasnodar had just reclaimed first place following a victory over Orenburg, while Zenit rose to second. The Wings of the Soviets were positioned in third, crafting a competitive table that underscored the resilience and adaptability required throughout the season. The team’s performance and standings reflected a season characterized by tight margins, frequent adjustments, and the constant need to respond decisively to evolving conditions on and off the field.
Earlier remarks from Lokomotiv suggested a willingness to embrace snow and other adverse conditions as part of the sport. The club’s stance, echoed by players like Tiknizyan, highlighted a broader ethos within Russian football: readiness to compete regardless of weather, audience comfort, or logistical hurdles. This attitude aligns with the sport’s demanding nature, where preparation, mental toughness, and teamwork often determine outcomes as much as technical skill and physical fitness.
Throughout the season, the narrative around Lokomotiv has emphasized not just results, but the approach taken by the squad in response to challenging circumstances. The commitment to fulfilling duties—whether facing a bitterly cold afternoon, a snow-covered pitch, or a packed schedule—speaks to a professional culture that prioritizes consistency, accountability, and collective effort. In this context, Tiknizyan’s comments serve as a reminder that football remains both a physical test and a demonstration of character, where fans witness the fusion of preparation, perseverance, and passion on every matchday.