As we’d expected, it was a tough game, especially after our Champions League defeat which ended badly for us. Today we looked tired, even psychologically tired. The match started well and we took the lead. But after we scored, we began to play defensively and absolutely not the way we like to play. We made a number of mistakes and deserved to concede late in the first half. In the second half, we played well with our passion and movement, and had the advantage, although not many chances, but I think we could have taken the lead again at any moment. Defensively we allowed Jevtic to shot after a Rakitskiy error and unfortunately in defence there were many mistakes. In attack we do not score a number of the chances we needed to win. I am upset with the result and we will take a good look at the game and prepare for the next match.
Erokhin seems to find chances and score, should he have come on earlier against Club Brugge? And, as Zenit are short on wide players why did you let Daniil Lesovoy go, he looks very good now?
Because Daniel moved to another club. Arsenal Tula had a buyout option and they used it before selling him on to Dynamo.
Regarding Erokhin in the previous match, no, I don't think it was a mistake. We know his strengths and weaknesses, in some matches he plays and in others he doesn't, it depends on the game. There are positions where he likes to play and others where it is more difficult for him. We look at the available players and build our game plan.
How are Zhirkov and Malcom? Are they ready to play against Borussia?
Zhirkov had individual training yesterday and we will see if he is available for the next match. As for Malcolm, he will not play in the next match.
Are Ozdoev, Dzyuba, Barrios and the other internationals fit enough to be playing all these games? Even ahead of others getting less playing time
Fatigue accumulates and we have a lot of games, there has been no rest and the changes we made didn't help as much as we’d hoped for. To be in the starting lineup, you have to earn this and show why you are playing.
How much of a role with fatigue play in this campaign? Especially as there was no break between the seasons.
It is playing a role and it is clear that without rest there will be difficulties for the players and in training, but this is not a key factor. We have players who rotate and can come on as subs. We have to give those who are playing a lot more time to recover. But for this you need to win your place in the starting XI.
Did Zenit made an offer to Lesovoy, but it wasn’t what he wanted? With this bad run can we say it’s your worst time since 2018 and your exit then from the Champions League? Are you considering resigning?
I am not considering resignation. There are good periods in football and some not very good periods, that is part of football. There are targets set for me that I must meet and if I don’t then the club’s management will make a decision about what to do and what changes to make.
Regarding Lesovoy, this question is not at all for me. Perhaps he wanted to go to a team where he can play more, because in his position we have Malcom and Mostovoy, so perhaps he thought that, or maybe there are other reasons. I don't know the details.
The supporters weren’t happy with two defeats in a row and made their feeling know from the stands, what can you say to them?
There are supporters who will always support the team and there are fans who only care about results. No one likes it if a team loses. As for the reaction, the fans are used to Zenit losing very rarely. Any defeat causes criticism and is bad for the supporters’ morale. You cannot rejoice in defeat, but it's part of football and we have our job to do.
What is Malcom's injury? And what are the chances he will play in the UEFA Champions League? A year ago he was brought for the Champions League, but so far he is hasn’t represented you in this tournament.
Unfortunately, injuries are part of football. To our great regret, we won’t be available. We will have another consultation soon and we’ll know more about the timing of his return. We hope for the best and that he will play in the Champions League. We would all like that very much.