Sergei Semak: "Once you're in front, that's when the opportunities appear"

The blue-white-sky blue boss on Saturday's match with Ufa.
Sergei Semak: "Once you're in front, that's when the opportunities appear"
How are you specifically preparing for the match with Ufa? What is your main focus?

We are preparing in the usual way, just like we would for any other match. We are getting ready for the game with by simulating their tactics and formations as usual. As for anything else and the rest of our training, we doing what we always do. 

What do you think has happened to Ufa? From being the second meanest defence last season to conceding so many this?

There are different periods and it can happen when a team concedes not many or a lot. Year after year things change and develop in different ways. As for their defence, they have some quality players who defend well. I think it's just a quirk that they've let a lot in this season. I think they will improve and start playing well, because defending is a strong part of Ufa's football.

Is Yaroslav Rakitskiy available for the match?

Yes, he is getting ready for the game and has no problems today. We have two more training session before then and hopefully no one gets injured.

What's the injury status of Sebastian Driussi and Andrey Lunev?

There is no negative news about Andrey and Sebastian and we're waiting for them to get back into full training. 

What's the mood in the team? Did dropping points against Ural upset the players?

Any loss of points makes the players angry, but it's impossible to go through a season without dropping points. There are times when things don't go as you'd like and the season is long, the team that wins the league is the side with the least number of defeats and dropped points. 

Games against Ufa are never easy, what do you expect from Saturday's game?

Every match is very difficult, not just against Ufa. We know we have to score, because once you're in front, that's when the opportunities appear and the match opens up. When the score is at 0-0 many teams prefer to play very deep and compact, and it can be quite difficult to open these defences up.

This week the Zenit Supporters Association celebrated its 40th anniversary. What would you like to say to the blue-white-sky blue fans?

Firstly, congratulations! This is quite the milestone! We will try and do our part and give them a win on Saturday. I hope that they will continue to support the team as they have been and we continue to strengthen and grow their numbers alongside the team, no matter what.