You joined Zenit last season and things have changed quite a lot since then, how are you enjoying life at the club?

Of course, when the squad changes it can affect the team's game. New players have joined us, a new coach has come and so it takes time to fully develop the team. Winning is linked to the building of a team, we have confidence and I think we are on the right track and success will not take long. 

How difficult is it to become a cohesive defensive unit?

The most important thing is for the whole team to understand each other and know how to defend. Defending needs not just four defenders, we all have to defend and attack together, then it will be easier for all each of us. At Zenit there are some high-quality players, we are gradually learning to play together. We shouldn't make mistakes in defence.

Mammana has only recently joined us but you are already playing together since the game with Spartacus. Were you nervous before that game?

This is not so unusual, many players have joined our new team and we have been forced to get new players into the team quickly. This is not something bad, but rather the opposite, this situation can give new player's motivation and an adrenaline buzz. It doesn't matter who starts on the pitch, we must think and act as a team and not as individual players.

How are you and Mammana getting on? You are much older than him. 

Of course, when you have more experience, you try to help your teammates and guide them. But the guys who have joined us in this transfer window, in particular, Mammana, are already at such a high level that they know how to play in the team. I'm always ready to help young players and share my experience.

Does Zenit have special training for defenders? 

Of course, we perform certain exercises. These activities are aimed at synchronizing us on the pitch and these aren't only performed only by defenders, as I said, we defend as a whole team, so in training, such actions are practiced altogether. 

What are the main qualities of a modern central defender?

It is difficult to give a quick answer to such a question. The main thing is the basics, which are created at the football academy. We can talk for a long time about a defender's game, and like that of any other role there are many small things that have a huge impact on the game, but if you generalize, the defender should be able to read the game, understand the space around him and to know when you can go and join the attack and when it is better to stay at the back, to prevent any counter-attacks. 

This season you have not scored yet, are you expecting to get any goals this season?

For me, the most important thing is not to let the opposition score any goals! When we finish the match and do not concede, I am very pleased. Of course, if I manage to score, I'm happy about it, because defenders do not have many chances to get a goal. 

You scored the first Zenit goal at the new stadium and so entered the club's history books. Was this an important event for you? 

When you are playing every three days, you do not have much time to think about what has already happened. A professional footballer must be able look forward, you have already played the previous match, made your conclusions and should move on. You cannot afford to think about things like this for too long. Of course, when I finish my career, I will remember this goal and be proud of it and having entered the history books of Zenit. But at the moment my thoughts are about the next match.

Do you ever think about your time in England and the Premier League? 

No. I just set myself up for the next game and do not look back. I believe that if you start thinking about the past, you forget about the future. I still have things I want to achieve and then I will think about the past later 

What has been the most important goal in your career? 

For a defender, I have had some memorable events and I have scored many important goals, so choosing one is too difficult. But it's good that I have a lot to choose from! 

Can you tell us about the start of your career?

I inherited my love of football from my father, who played for our local team. I started playing at age six in my hometown, I played for the youth squad and then moved on to the first team, later I moved to Belgrade. When I was 13 or 14 years old I was an attacker and I scored a lot of goals. Then one of the coaches decided to try me in defence, as the team had problems at the back. The most interesting thing was that I continued to score as a defender, I just took the ball and went forward! By the way, my father also played in defence. 

Are you surprised that more than 40,000 fans are attending Zenit home games?

Of course, this is an excellent sign. It is important for both the city and for the players, we are pleased to feel such support from the fans. The Petrovsky could not accommodate everyone who wanted to see their favorite team, but now we have a new magnificent stadium. I hope that every home match will be full and we will be able to make the fans happy with the results. This support is a huge motivation for us and I can say personally I feel very happy at Stadium St. Petersburg, this is my home! 

What's the difference between Chelsea and Zenit? 

Regarding Zenit, the whole city supports the team and in St. Petersburg there are 5 million people, we feel their support and do everything we can to make them happy. 

Can you compare the club's themselves, their stadiums, academies etc?

Zenit and Chelsea are both top clubs with great opportunities. Zenit's stadium is better but I think Chelsea will update their home stadium soon. In general, the teams are pretty much on the same level. 

Will you be playing at Stadium St. Petersburg at the World Cup in 2018?

It won't be so easy to get to the tournament, we have four more games to decided this. In our group are some tough teams, Ireland, Austria and Wales. We still need to earn our right to participate at Russia 2018. 

Will this World Cup be your last for the Serbian national team?

I never look far ahead. In football, a whole career can be changed by one game or even one workout. But I hope that the World Cup in Russia will not be my last tournament for Serbia. 

Is Russia ready for the World Cup? 

One hundred percent! I am sure that everything will be excellent and of the highest standard. The stadiums that are already built are simply magnificent. I think that the championship of Russia will be even better after the World Cup. As for the Russian team, you have a good side that can play well. The home World Cup will give players motivation, but at the same time there is an increased responsibility, which can put pressure on the players. Of course, I wish Russia luck in this tournament!