How ready are Sutormin, Douglas Santos and Barrios?
 
Douglas is ready to play, Sutormin only joined the team recently, but is ready and will prepare for the game. Barrios has just returned from the Copa America, but he is a player who quickly gets ready, we'll see closer to the match who will play and for how long, but they are all preparing to play that's for sure. 

Tell us what you think of Douglas Santos after his first training session. Are you happy with the signing?

I'm very happy, we would not have signed him otherwise. Of course a period of adaptation is required, it's a new country and a new club, so it’s not easy straight away. but we have a big plus with him, that he is experienced in Europen football. He’s getting used to the team quickly and will soon be part of the first team and that's not us expecting miracles. Douglas Santos works well with the ball and is match fit, he's a good addition and we are waiting to watch him in an official match. 

Tell us about the situation with Sutormin, how did the transfer happen after he had already joined Rubin? You've been following him for six months and the rumour is that after his initial transfer you contacted the club's senior management and asked them to get him. Is that true?

No, the situation is simple. We were interested in the player and were negotiating for him. The move to Rubin was unexpected, who wanted him for the same reason's as us. But we continued negotiations for him and it all worked out. He arrived here and decided to join us. Regarding the financial conditions, that is not my department. As for Aleksei's decisions, you'll have to ask him why he first decided to go to Rubin and why he changed his mind. I think he is happy to come here to Zenit. No one forced to move, I know in ice hockey things can be more difficult, but in football all transfers take place with only with the consent of the player. 

Will you use Sutormin as a right back? 

It's an option, but I do not plan to use him in this position. We know that he has played on the right of three central defenders, but he is an attacking player and we consider him as a midfielder. We will analyze and watch him but now, he is an attacking midfielder. 

What are you expecting from Tambov? Are your team 100% ready?

We are not in the best of shape, we had a short preseason. After a few proper matches, we will reach our best form. As for this match, we know how they play. I Know Grigoryan and I know his teams always play attacking football. It will not be easy. We must play at our best, as in every game, so we can hit the targets we've set ourselves. 

What's the team's injury situation and who is definately out? When will Kuzyaev be back?

If we talk about Daler, then we have no return date as yet, he is training on an individual programme. We have not gone down the surgical route and things are improving, but things are not clear yet. Oleg Shatov will start training with the first team soon.