As expected, it turned out to be quite an intense game. It is a shame we conceded after a huge deflection, but this is football. Neither team wanted to lose but both teams tried to win. At the end of the second half, there were some dangerous chances that could have become goals. A draw isn't enough for us and we are unhappy. I wanted us to win, but this is football. We will prepare for the next match and move forward. 

Zenit seem likely to win the title. How much does this put pressure on you?

For any team, including us, it is difficult to be top from the first round. There is a weight on you and a responsibility, plus the accumulated tiredness. People say a lot and we try to listen to what we have to and what is useful, but we have a job to do and move forward. 

Is Christian Noboa ready to play at the start or is there a problem in the limit on foreign players? 

He is ready to play and we missed him a lot, then he went to the national team, after which he has had to adapt to the difference in time zones. Now he is ready to play, but due to the injuries of Russian players, Shatov, Erokhin and Kuzyaev, the limit has an effect and Christian suffers because of the limit. Of course, we are counting on him and I have no doubt that we will find how to use him. 

Was Smolnikov replaced due to injury or was it because of another reason?

The reason is he wasn't playing how we wanted. There were a lot of mistakes, so we decided to replace him. 

Today's match, including a battle between the two goalkeepers of the national team. Did you talk with Lunev about this? 

No, we all have our own jobs. As for the national team, the decision will be made by the Russian team manager. We did not have any discussion. 

How often does Rakitsky train with free kicks? Is it talent or a result of training?

He has talent and also works hard and has taken high quality free kicks for a long time. I'm glad for Yaroslav. He has seriously strengthened the team and diversified our game in defence and attack.