Igor Larionov: "We need to take the next step"

The acting head coach of the senior Russian national team, Igor Larionov, shared his thoughts ahead of the second match of the 2020 Karjala Cup against Sweden in Helsinki, Finland.

Acting head coach of the senior Russian national team Igor Larionov:

- We've been analysing how Sweden move out of their zone under pressure. Our task was to train in an intensive manner for around 30-40 minutes, it's important not to burn the players out before the two games at the weekend. Of course, yesterday's victory has given our guys plenty of confidence and positive emotions, but we need to take the next step. What happened against Finland is already history, our focus is purely on the match with the Swedes. We have to compete with intensity at both ends of the ice, creating opportunities to score. Our team has high standards. Yes, we can expect Sweden to compete with a focused, serious mentality after we beat the Finns, but our goal is to play well and earn the victory. Our guys have played at senior level before and understand that one solid performance doesn't mean that you are certain to have a great career.