Astana head coach Grigory Babayan answered journalists' questions before the second match against Dinamo.

- After the first game, we perfectly discovered our opponent. We will not have a second advantage in this match. After analyzing the first game, we realized many things and came to certain conclusions. We are ready for tomorrow's game, and to make our fans proud.

- New plauers joined the team - Marochkin, Lonchar and Tomashevich. What are the chances that they can play tomorrow?

“There will definitely be substitutions in the team. We will have one more training session to see who can play, but there will definitely be substitutions. 

- What are the advantages of Dinamo? And how will Astana play tomorrow - in defense or in attack?

- As the first match showed, we need to play in a balanced way. We played through the flanks and through the center. We made a good effort, in the second half we did our best and did not focus much on defense. But in the first 15 minutes, Dinamo took over the advantage. 

The most important thing is how we defend against our opponent. We must not do any mistakes and we do not strive to play a lot in defense. We always want to attack, while not breaking the balance, so as not to run into a counterattack. We know that this is a serious opponent, and in order to win, we must give 200 percent and play in an organized manner.

- Who do you think will try the most on the field? It seems to me that Marin Tomasov, in order to have the opportunity to go home to Croatia again (note - in case of passing to the next round, Astana will play with Dynamo Zagreb).

“We talk about this all the time. The most important thing is that we see the team on the field. Even if 1 player does not give all his best, the whole team will suffer from this. It is important for everyone to put in the work.

- Before the first game, you said that the chances were equal. Have they changed now?

- I think that before the second game the chances did not change, but the home team has an advantage in the form of fans. But everything will be decided on the field.

- You said that in order to play consistently in the group stages of European competitions, you need to change the mentality of the team, instill the spirit of the winner. Did you manage to do it?

- It comes with experience. The team must be able to consistently win, even not the best matches. To do this, we must also focus on working psychologically, not just on physical shape. You know that there have never been such big matches. The championship of Kazakhstan is a slightly different level. We may not have enough experience, but we must persist.

- If Dinamo Tbilisi played in the championship of Kazakhstan, what place would the team claim?

- The team plays very well in general. Where? It is difficult to evaluate, but I think the team will claim the top three.

- Are there bonuses for reaching the group stage, for each qualification stage and for the victory over Dinamo Tbilisi?

– There are bonuses for reaching the group stage. There are bonuses for individual matches. But there are no separate bonuses for the victory over Dinamo Tbilisi.

- As you know, there are no simple things in football. Last year there were problems related to logistics. Also, "Astana" stayed in hotels that did not correspond to their level. Are there such problems now?

- There were certain problems with organizations before the first match, which should not have happened. In the end, we could not solve them, but now I will not talk about it. Now we have a positive attitude, a good hotel, a high quality field. We are all focused on tomorrow's game.

The general partner of FC Astana is JSC NWF Samruk Kazyna

Partner of FC Astana - CF Fund for Support of the Tourism and Sports Industry