Sergey Semak: “The team looked exhausted mentally and physically”

The Zenit boss on the defeat to CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier Liga.
The first goal conceded was due to a mistake and that influenced the rest of the game. CSKA began to play more confidently and we lost the game that way. We made a lot of mistakes. After the goal conceded, we put ourselves in a difficult position. In the second half, we changed things and managed to apply pressure, but to get back in the game, we needed to score at least one and we couldn't. We'll analyse it and have a rest. These games have been difficult for us and we've had a lot of away games. The team looks exhausted mentally and physically and a break will be very important to us. 

What happened to Dzyuba? Was he injured before the match?

There was an injury and his participation in the game was in question. But he was ready to play. He was subbed as he asked to be. The Zenit medical team and the Russian national team will decide what to do. 

Are you satisfied with how the team played before the goal? 

There was not enough sharpness in our attack. As for our possession, it was fine. It was possible to make adjustments, but there were no problems. Unfortunately, we were the first to make a mistake and we put CSKA in a comfortable position and they like to defend and counterattack quickly. Unfortunately for us, we put the opponent in a good position. 

Marchisio had a poor match. Can you rate his game please?

The substitutions at half-time were due to a change in formation. I think for Claudio it is not easy to get used to another championship. He played well in the previous match. He will gain match fitness and help us. 

Why have you about the very short time you've had to prepare for the game?

We didn't choose to have such a fixture list. To play with better conditions, you need to be in the Champions League. We had the same situation before the games with Lokomotiv and Spartak. Plus long flights mean it's not easy, but it is part of the profession. We must do the best we can. This is reality with such a fixture list. 

CSKA also have players out. Did you think they would play like they did today? 

Of course, they always try to play aggressively and actively, they have fast attacking players. It is difficult now to surprise someone with something, everyone knows exactly how each other plays. 

Akhmetov had a trial at Zenit, could he have been useful for you?

It is hard to say. I had stated my position on Akhmetov. We had a very large number of players then, especially in the centre of the midfield. I liked the player, the management knew that. We should be glad that he is playing for a top club like CSKA.