CSKA Moskva Q&A: Aleks V from GoalChatter

For the final match of the group stage, Bayern Munich is taking on CSKA Moskva, a club three timezones away. Having played them each of the past two years, there will be a familiarity, but to fill in the rest of the gaps, we once again turn to Aleks V of GoalChatter

BFW 1) The transformation from a year ago to this year has been remarkable. CSKA struggled against teams like Viktoria Plzen in 2013, and now are going toe-to-toe with Bayern, Manchester City, and AS Roma. What have they done differently this year that has made them able to remain near the top of the Russian Premier League and competitive at the European level?

AV: CSKA have continued doing what they've been doing for the past several years. A lot of their success can be attributed to the fact that they've been playing with virtually the same roster. However, they've also added key players like Bibras Natkho and Roman Eremenko. Natkho and Eremenko are the club's current top goalscorers, with a combined total of 15 goals so far this season.

BFW 2) The last time the two played, CSKA Moskva went so far as to put Alexei Berezutski in midfield to camp and counter. With so much on the line, would you expect Leonid Slutsky to deploy similar tactics, or be more aggressive with his team selection?

AV: Slutsky doesn't have too many options on the bench, so he's likely to experiment and rely on players to play in positions they may not be used to playing in.

BFW 3) Leonid Slutsky is now in his sixth season with CSKA Moskva, and during his tenure the club has won two league titles, two Russian Cups, and has advanced to the Round of 16 of the Champions League twice. How is he perceived domestically? Will he stay with CSKA Moskva or could he move on to another club?

AV: Slutsky is perceived as one of the best coaches in the Premier League. He has a good relationship with his players and with the club's administration, so it's highly unlikely he'll be looking for another club anytime soon.

Check out more of her work at GoalChatter, and follow her on twitter @aleksvee.