Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do? What are your hobbies?
I am seventeen years old and I am in my last year of high school. I have one older brother and two parents. I play basketball and soccer through the high school in our town. In my free time I enjoy watching sports of all kinds such as soccer, basketball, american football, and golf. I like to play basketball and soccer with my friends when we get the chance.
How did you first get interested in Zenit?
I first got interested in Zenit through Aleksandr Kerzhakov and the Russian National Team. I watched the team play in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and I loved the way the team and Kerzhakov played. He played hard and our styles of play are somewhat similar, although I am nowhere near as talented as a professional footballer. I found out that he plays for the Zenit, and from then on I have kept up on the team news and try to watch as many games as I can.
How do you feel about the Europa League, what’s your predictions?
I definitely wish Zenit were in the Champions League, but I believe we should be able to make a deep run in the tournament. I expect Zenit to win their group in the round of 48, fairly easily. Once we make it into the knockout round things will get interesting as a lot of it will depend on our matchup. I believe Zenit can and will make it to at least the semi-finals of the Europa League and could potentially make a run at winning it!
Who’s your all-time favourite Zenit player? Who do you like in the current squad and why?
My all-time favorite Zenit player is easily Aleksandr Kerzhakov, the club’s leading goalscorer! In the current squad I enjoy Artem Dzyuba, Axel Witsel and Danny. The way Artem can hold the ball up top with his big frame is valuable along with his aerial play. Axel Witsel is a big presence in the middle who can help win possession with his sturdy play and ball control. Danny, although injured at the moment, can still create and help orchestrate the offence with flair and pace.
What’s your best Zenit memory?
My favourite Zenit memories have to be from last year’s Champions League campaign. Dzyuba, Hulk, Danny, and the rest of the offence were performing extremely well and we were getting results. It was awesome to see us win our group, even if we lost in the next round right away. This was a good step to show that Russian football can truly compete and have some success outside of Russia.
What are you hoping for us this season?
I believe Zenit should always be making a run for both the Russian Cup and to win the league. CSKA Moscow and others will make it difficult, but Zenit have the talent to accomplish it. I would love to see us back in the Champions League next season.
Which areas of the squad would you like to see Zenit strengthen in? Who realistically should we be looking at signing?
I would like to see us strengthen up some of our attacking midfield play. We have Dzyuba up top and a pacey and creative midfielder running at the defence could really thrive alongside Dzyuba. Ultimately we need to find a more appropriate replacement for Hulk. Names that come to mind are Dries Mertens, Witsel’s Belgian mate, Mathieu Valbuena could possibly make a return to Russia or even Marik Hamsik from Napoli.
You live in Wisconsin, how would you describe this city for your fellow fans? What’s the local football like?
I live in Watertown, in the state of Wisconsin in the United States of America. 25,000 people reside in my city, which is a smaller town in the states. Soccer is on the rise here in the city, and truly all around America. More and more of the youth are playing soccer and sticking with it. Nearly every high school has a girls soccer team and a men’s soccer team. There are several universities in the state that have soccer, which is our step below professional soccer. Our nearest professional team is about 90 miles away with the Chicago Fire. In general, there is not a whole lot of soccer going inside our town outside of kids, but in larger cities it is more prevalent.
If Zenit fans plan to visit your part of the world what place is a must-see and what food should they try?
Wisconsin is famous for all sorts of crazy cheeses and brewed beers that can’t be found anywhere else. The Wisconsin Dells is about an hour away from my town and is known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” Here is the largest waterpark in the world and several lakes and boat tours all around.
Do you know any other Zenit fans where you live or are you the only one?
I am the only Zenit fan in my area, and the only one that I know.
Do you have a message for the manager, The team and all the Zenit fans out there?
To the manager and team, keep up the good work and keep pushing to the top of the table! To the fans, keep rooting on the our squad and be supportive of management’s decisions. Oh, I'd love to see Kerzhakov a little more! ;)
You can follow Max on twitter here.
