Sepahan are part of the AFC and play in the AFC Champions League, like for example Al Hilal that signed Malcom recently. We all are aware of Cristiano Ronaldo playing there as well. What do you think of the Asian Confederation and their football level, including the Saudi Arabia league? What is your opinion on it?
“The clubs in the AFC have different levels, and Saudi Arabia stands out among all the other leagues as they have the opportunity to sign skilled players, so the quality of their football is improving fast. We’ve faced Sepahan before once, the team started the season well, played four games and won all of them. They also play in the AFC club tournaments. They have their own style when it comes to football, and I think it’s interesting for them to face teams from other countries that have their own way of playing. We looked up a date that would work for Sepahan to travel to Russia for a friendly match, and there was an opportunity to hold this game during the international break. It’s definitely going to be an interesting match, and we’ll also be able to look at certain aspects of the game and give playing time to the footballers who play less in the league.”
Eight people were called up by their national teams, so they’re away now, who is going to replace them in training and in the match on Thursday?
“Nobody is getting replaced in training, everyone is working as scheduled, Zenit-2 and Zenit U19 are training for their matches. Speaking of the match, we don’t have enough players available right now, so are going to invite footballers from the other Zenit teams, and we will make the decision on who is going to join us today.”
It’s clear that the match in Iran and the one that’s going to take place in St. Petersburg are incomparable, but what can you say about the game in Isfahan?
“The games really are different. The match in Iran was part of our training camp, and we also had to travel there. Speaking of the match itself, we were lacking quality when we faced Sepahan in February. They play in the league with an attacking style of football. It’s interesting to face the team that plays actively and presses a lot. It gives us the opportunity to see if the technical equipment that we have and our training plan is enough to work with this pressure and intensity. The trip to Iran was delightful, the atmosphere at the stadium, the city, the people, everything was great, and I have only good memories from it.”
Yesterday Alexander Medvedev shared some intriguing news on signing a new player, someone who is skilled and fast. If you can’t say who it is yet, at least tell us which player do Zenit need now?
“Speaking of new signings in the first part of the question, you can’t really argue with Alexander Medvedev when it comes to that. These are the only news that are available now, and if there will be more information on transfers, you are going to hear it from him very soon.
Regarding Zenit now, so far we’re doing quite well, and with all the difficulties we had to face the result that the team has shown is good. I expected it to be worse in terms of the results, but as for the quality, it’s more than acceptable, although there are some things to work on. In my opinion we could’ve earned more points, but again, considering the fixtures that we have, all of the away matches against our main rivals, these results are fine in the end. Speaking of the players that we need, we certainly would like to sign one or two players to improve our attack. We will see about positions, but it’s important for the level and the quality of the players to match the club’s ambitions. I hope we’ll be able to sign one or two players for our offensive line.”
What would you say about Claudinho in this starting period? It seems like he lost in the efficiency aspect, he doesn’t score much. Is there some behind the scenes work that doesn’t allow you to rate him based on the matches?
“The season is long, and if you take all of the players, none of them are going to be able to maintain the same level of playing throughout the whole season. The only players who would be more stable are the ones in defence and in midfield where stability is key. The players like Douglas Santos or Barrios are always consistent, therefore we can rely on them. It’s more difficult for the attacking players, and considering Claudinho’s position, it varies, so sometimes he doesn’t seem as efficient in attack as you said. We still have a few players who haven’t shown what they’re capable of this season, and if we look at Claudinho in this starting period, there is room for improvement for him as well. Either way him and Wendel are players of our first team, and I have no doubts that when the time comes one of them is going to take the leadership in their hands and help the team as much as they can.”
If the amount of players is limited, what is the first thing you’re going to pay attention to during this international break? Is there going to be some time off? The list of players participating in the match against Sepahan is not going to be full. Isn’t it going to lead to someone playing more than they should?
“Speaking of playing more than they should, we have three days to get ready for the match, and that is enough time. After the game we will have two or three days off, then we’re going to continue getting ready to resume the season. Regarding the amount of players available and the objectives, we’re definitely going to try to give more playing time to those who play less in the league, including those who are returning after being injured like Andrey Mostovoy. We’ll see how it goes. The footballers who played more will receive less playing time. The main objective is to keep our fitness levels where they are during the break, and for those who play less the aim is to work and improve their quality. It is also an opportunity for the younger players to show what they’re capable of so they would be invited to work with the first team more.
These are all the objectives that we have. We’ll definitely try to make our fans happy by playing well and scoring more.”
