"I am optimistic, since, firstly, it is a Russian club, and secondly, because it is linked with the defense ministry. Moreover, as far as I know, Liverpool is not in good shape," the minister said, presumably meaning that current European champion Liverpool lost its home Champions League's qualifying match to CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria this week.
Ivanov said he might go to Monaco for the match to root CSKA on.
UEFA Super Cup is traditionally played between the UEFA Champions League winners and the UEFA Cup winners and has been held in Monaco since 1998. Valencia of Spain currently has the cup after winning last year's final 2:1 with Porto of Portugal.
Liverpool is widely seen as a favorite in the match, after winning the Cup in 1977 and in 2001.
Liverpool is also a favorite of London bookies, with famous London bookmakers William Hill giving it a 1.9-1 chance of beating CSKA. The odds of a CSKA win are 3.5-1. Odds of a draw are 2.2-1.
The match will begin at the Stade Louis II at 8:45 p.m. local time (6:45 GMT)
