I will tell you it was a tough game, especially as we had to play after a heavy defeat. We tried in the first half to attack more out wide, but it didn’t always work out. We had chances and could have scored and if we had it would have been easier. In the second half we put on Zabolotny, and played more long balls, we had an advantage in height and skill. We deserve the win. I am happy and proud of the team, in the hardest moments the guys were able to pull together and after they scored in extra time, the goal meant they had the advantage on away goals, which in my opinion is unfair. Anyway, even after that we managed to pull together. The team were heroic, especially as we played with only 10 men. We put ourselves in that situation, but that makes it an even sweeter win. I can only enthusiastically talk about the match. I want to thank the players for their attitude, desire and dedication. They deserve the celebrations that are happening on the streets nearby. I am very grateful for the joy they have given the Zenit fans.
How do you go into a game after a 4-0 defeat in the first leg?
A coach’s job is to not upset or disturb the players, but to help them as much as possible. I am not out there on the pitch. The players were extremely focused and they understood the situation. We had our usual conversations and talked about what we had to do.
Today for the first time Dzyuba and Zabolotny played together. Will you use them together again?
We will look at that, try to build partnerships, and look at the fitness of our players. Pre-season training was difficult because everyone was at different levels. But why not? It’s a good option. Anton has qualities that allow him to play out wide too and can move around. He has lots of potential.
What will be the price of this win from the point of view of the readiness of the players?
Of course, it was a huge emotional expenditure, from a physical point of view it took a lot. We will take look at the players and the fixture list is quite full. We will look at any problems and deal with them as best we can so that the guys are ready for the next match and are in good condition. It will be difficult to predict how they will be.
You’ve said that you have little control of the club’s transfers. Will such a victory help to change that?
That’s a complex question: I know exactly what I want to do and I hope that the club’s leadership understands this. Work is underway so let's see what happens, because there isn’t much time left.
Will Paredes be fined for the red card?
Somehow he will be punished and we'll take a decision tomorrow. Given that the team rescued him, the punishment will not be too painful. But in general the question is not in any fine, but more importantly that he understands what situation he put the whole team in.
Have you created history tonight? And has there been any similar situations in your career?
I don’t think I’ve ever had such a situation but in football everything can happen and there are reasons for everything. I remember more negative moments as they are experienced more painfully. Now we have the right to enjoy this win until tomorrow.
If they scored, what was the game plan? Would Mak and Smolnikov have come on earlier?
We wanted to get Mak on in the regular time and Robert had a terrific match, Igor Smolnikov too. I understood that it was necessary to refresh the game and make adjustments. I want to say that no one was upset that they didn’t play or come on.
The Zenit fans could not be in the stadium tonight, so instead came on ships and supported the team outside the stadium. Could you hear them?
Their support was heard by us. The guys went out and thanked the fans after the match and we were delighted with what they did. Although today they were not in the stands, but at home with their families, in pubs, or on ships near the stadium, they were all supporting Zenit. So we went out there tonight and did everything possible to play as they deserve.
