Lokomotiv midfielder Alexey Batrakov spoke about the primary authorities in the locker room, sharing thoughts that were quoted by Sports Express. He described the atmosphere after debuting for the club and how the team handles leadership within the squad.
When asked who leads the group in the dressing room, Batrakov suggested that Dima Barinov and Artem Dzyuba are regarded with respect by teammates, jokingly referring to them as father figures in a lighthearted moment. He also noted that every member of the squad offered congratulations on his debut, and there was no room for mockery despite the inevitable nerves. Still, the mood was serious about the result, with Batrakov stressing the need to learn from setbacks and push forward in the next match. He said the team would aim to demonstrate their character again in the upcoming game.
Batrakov stepped onto the field for Lokomotiv for the first time in the match against Krasnodar on March 31. Artem Dzyuba and Nair Tiknizyan were not included in the matchday squad. The game finished with a 1-1 draw as the team sought to balance ambition with discipline on a demanding schedule.
From the opening minutes, the match against Krasnodar saw a dramatic twist when Timur Suleymanov inadvertently put the ball into his own net. The equalizer arrived late, set up by a clever move from Maxim Glushenkov, who found the target to ensure parity at the final whistle. The result reflected a match decision that could have swung in Lokomotiv’s favor with a sharper finish and tighter defense. — Source: Sports Express
In the prior round, Lokomotiv had a tough stance against Sochi, finishing with a 2-2 draw that left the club looking for sharper execution in both defense and attack as the campaign progressed. Management and players appeared focused on cleaning up mistakes and building confidence after a demanding stretch of fixtures. — Source: Sports Express
After the 21st week of the Russian Premier League, Lokomotiv had accumulated 33 points and shared fourth place with CSKA. Zenit continued to lead at the summit, following a 1-1 result with Krylya Sovetov in the same round. Krasnodar remained in second place, while Dinamo completed the top three after a 1-4 defeat to Rostov. These standings provided a snapshot of a season where every point counts and the race for European qualification remains tightly contested. — Source: Sports Express
Looking back at the campaign, a former Lokomotiv player offered insights into why the league leaders sometimes drop points, emphasizing how the rhythm, tactical discipline, and squad depth influence outcomes across the long season. The discussion highlighted the unpredictable nature of top-flight football and the ongoing battle to secure consistent results in a league known for its competitive balance. — Source: Sports Express