<p style="text-align:justify"><strong>The Russian tactician expressed his desire to claim a European spot and urged the Selmashi to win the cup tie against
</strong><strong>FC Fakel Voronezh</strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">With the Russian Premier League title out of their reach already, and even a UEFA Europa League spot seeming unlikely, FC Rostov are likely to give their all in the Russian Cup.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Rostov are amongst the weakest Russian top division teams, given that they have failed to claim a single trophy in their entire history. </p>
<p style="text-align:justify">The Selmashi head coach, Sergei Balakhnin, has tipped Rostov to keep their domestic worries aside and motivated them to win the prestigious Russian Cup this season.<strong> </strong></p>
<p style="text-align:justify">However, Balakhnin has warned the Selmashi against complacency and highlighted some of the tournament participants. Zenit St. Petersburg, Rubin Kazan, Lokomotiv Moscow and Dynamo Moscow are all involved in the tournament.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">He went on to reveal that the Russian outfit will have to battle with the top Russian teams if they are to end their wait for silverware this season. Balakhnin tipped the Russian outfit to gear up for the cup encounter against
FC Fakel Voronezh.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">The Selmashi managed to win the pre-quarter final 3-1 against FC Tom Tomsk before winning the round-of-32 against FC Zhemchuzhina-Sochi, the last time they played in the cup tournament.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Speaking on the upcoming quarter final against Fakel, Belous revealed that Rostov need to work very hard if they are to reach the semi-finals, irrespective of the opponent’s poor Russian First Division form.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">As things stand FC Fakel are at the bottom spot of the Russian lower division table.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">“There are no weak opponents in the tournament. We have a good chance to reach the semi finals, but first we have to win against Fakel. Rostov players have high ambitions and they will compete for the trophy.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">The Russian Cup could be a great incentive for them and maybe we can claim a European spot in the near future.” The former FC Rostselmash Rostov-on-Don midfielder was quoted as saying.</p>
<p style="text-align:justify">Balakhnin went on to reveal that the team atmosphere is good at the moment, admitting that everyone is working hard.</p>
Tags: