Sergei Semak: "We go into the break in high spirits"

The Zenit manager spoke to the press after the win over Arsenal Tula.

It was a tough game with tough weather conditions, the strong wind played its part. Let's give credit to Arsenal, who played very well. It was difficult to create chances in attack, especially in the first half. What we did create came from set pieces. Unfortunately for us, their goalkeeper played brilliantly and made an unbelievable save. In the second half, after we scored, the game opened up and there could have been more. We played well in defense, except for the Kangwa one-on-one chance, but Kerzhakov saved us there. It was a good game and we had more chances to win. We go into the break in high spirits.

Dzyuba also mentioned the strong wind during half time, what affect did this have and why couldn’t you score in the first half?

In the first half, Arsenal defended deep, they pressed well and managed to cover a lot of grass. We did not get enough quick and accurate passes right in the final stage. It is difficult to play against a deep defence, plus Arsenal have players who are good in the counter attack and can score with one-on-ones and have a good shot. The wind did make it more difficult to move the ball and slowed things down, also long-range shots were riskier. When you play in windy conditions, this speeds the ball up. In this regard, there is a difference between games without wind and gusty winds.

Driussi was on the bench for the second match in a row, Why?

We had a few problems preparing for the game, Shatov and Sebastian are both not 100%.

We saw your forwards actively taking on the Arsenal defenders, what is the reason for this?

We often try to play high and challenge the opponent for control the ball. We tried to play as high as possible in order to stop them having any dangerous zones to develop their attack.

Commentators and pundits often say that teams playing in Europe find it hard to be fit and ready in the league. How is your team’s condition?

We have a fixture list and we play it. Sometimes it’s difficult, but that's what the team needs, to come together and be ready for every match. Today we were fine in terms of our fitness and quality of play. We played a really serious opponent today and our two last two matches were also difficult. It is hard for any team in Tula, as they are a very strong and balanced team with some good, technical players, so playing here is not easy. Overall it was a good game and I liked it. 

Players from big club on loan at Arsenal seem to progress rapidly. Look at Bakaev and Dzyuba. How would you rate Lesovoy’s game? Has he reached the levels to play at Zenit?

As for Lesovoy and the other players, you are absolutely correct and I am glad for those players who choose this way to develop. When you are not ready to play for top clubs yet, getting match practice on loan means you can announce yourself. Then it’s simple, the loan ends, the player returns to his parent club and we see how much they have improved. If they are ready to fit for a place in the first team, then they stay with the club, but if it is still too soon for them, then it means maybe another year on loan.