Cheryshev: "It's exciting to represent Russia at Euro 2020"

Denis Cheryshev is currently away on international duty with Russia, and the winger spoke to VCF Media before heading off to represent his country. He gave his thoughts on the 2020/21 season, his role at Valencia CF, and what he expects from Euro 2020.

The season for Valencia CF

It's been a difficult year. We've had the pandemic situation and been playing without the fans at the stadium, which I think we've felt a lot -above all in our home games. We've missed the boost that they give us in every game. It's been a difficult season, with a change of coach at the end of the campaign as well.

I think that we have to take away the positives from each year, and keep moving forward. Now we need to focus on next season.

Making improvements for the fans

In the end, we all have many things to improve. The most important thing is that we have that intention to continue growing and take the club onward and upwards. We want the fans to be happy with our work. I'm sure that we could have done better this year, and we have good intentions for next season.
The fans were really looking forward to returning to the stadium, being with us and cheering us on. The message that I would give them is that we will do everything possible for next year so that the club can reach the heights that this club have historically been at.

His role at Valencia CF

With the change of coach I've been playing fewer minutes, but at the end of the day we're professionals and we have to be ready to play whenever the coach decides. I take away the positives from every coach, every day, every game and every minute. I want to keep growing and evolving, because you can always get better.

Representing Russia

It's really exciting for me to play for my country. I have a really nice memory of the World Cup that will stay with me forever. Now we have new objectives ahead. We're in a difficult group, and we're going to try to look at each game individually to try to win.

Above all, we're very excited. In recent games I haven't been able to play due to injury. I think that the team had good games then, and we're really motivated. Playing in big tournaments is the dream of any child, and for me it's one of the biggest things that a player can do.

Possible rivals this summer

There's been a fairly big generational transition for Spain. There are a lot of young, highly talented players, and a great coach. Spain are always favourites to win any competition, and we'll see how they do at Euro 2020.

I wish them luck, but if we cross paths with them then I hope the same thing happens as at the World Cup!

Germany, Spain, Holland and France are always strong. The favourites are always the same, but there's always room for a surprise package.