Alexander Kokorin: "It's a pleasure to play at Zenit!"
The Zenit forward on his club form and his return to the national team.
As you can see, we've moved to a new training centre, and we're staying in a new place, otherwise, everything's the same remain the same, the same training, everything's good. The team mood is good and there's a nice working atmosphere.
Are you happy to be back playing with Fedor Smolov?
Well, if we start together and both play, then, of course, I'm happy. We've not played together that much, so we'll have to wait for the matches and see.
Tell me your daily schedule please, did you have to wake up early?
As usual we got up, had some medical tests, had breakfast and then went to train. We were divided into two groups, some of us played quite recently, so we had time for recovery and slowly we will get back to our best form.
There's a lot of talk about your current form. You're scoring a lot, you're setting new records for yourself. Do you ever remember being in such good form?
When I played in my position previously, things were like this. Although I had less matches as we were not playing in Europe. Now I have more games, plus the team is stronger. It's a pleasure to play at Zenit!
How has your game changed recently? What is the reason for your form?
We are a strong team, if we are talking about Zenit, the new players, different tactics, I'm in my position. There's a lot of things, it is difficult to explain, the diet regime ...
What are the similarities between Cherchesov and Mancini? Is there anything similar?
Absolutely different, completely different!
What is the main difference?
In training they have absolutely different approaches. All Italians have a more physical approach, we run a lot, we have a lot of tactics. It's different here, Mr. Cherchesov knows the guys and knows the model that he wants in the team so we all work so that everyone understands what he wants from us.
What role has Sergei Fursenko had in your current form?
I have an excellent relationship with him. From the very beginning he was clear that he trusted me and wanted me to play for Zenit, so after I talked with him personally and got to know him, I have only warm words for him.
Judging by your current form, you were probably waiting for the call from the national team?
Of course, I was waiting. I am aiming to play in all the main tournaments and get into the national team, there is the prestige of playing for your country. Naturally, I wanted this.
