Andrey Arshavin: "Both Lazio and Zenit know this match's importance"

Our sporting director of youth football development department gave an interview to Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport before the Champions League match against Lazio.
Andrey Arshavin: "Both Lazio and Zenit know this match's importance"

Lazio v Zenit on Tuesday 24 November will be a decisive match, what’s your prediction?

I think it will be a tough match and will be difficult for both teams, because both sides know its importance. This was shown by the game the two teams had in St. Petersburg, Zenit had a slight territorial advantage, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw. 

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Semak's Zenit squad?

I think that Artem Dzyuba is Zenit's strong point, he’s the team’s main striker and has had a rest during the international break as he did not join-up with the national team. He should be fresher than before the break. As for the weak points, Zenit are not used to playing at such high pace because of our league, where our competitors do not force our team to play at the speed required for European games. This is one of the things that hinders Zenit.

Dzyuba will be the biggest danger for Lazio, right?

He is undoubtedly one of Zenit's best players, over the past two years he has made a huge contribution to our club winning two championships. I also hope that Malcolm will finally show us what he can do. He was bought for Champions League performances, so I hope that he will make his debut in this competition and show us all what he can do 

Your friend Yuri Zhirkov is 37 but still playing, how does he do it?

It seems like he’s had grey hair for the last ten years and hasn’t looked young! (Laughs). I am incredibly happy for him. His skills have helped him remain playing at the highest level.

What do you think of Inzaghi’s Lazio?

It’s an interesting team that plays counter-attacking football. They are a strong side and I can only congratulate Inzaghi on having such a team.

Is Immobile the best Italian striker?

In some ways, probably yes. He won the golden boot. Any player who scores so many goals is a real threat to the opposition.

If Arshavin played with Immobile. How many assists would you have created for Ciro? 

I don't know how many, but at least 70% of his goals would have come from me!

From a number 10 to a number 10, what do you think about Luis Alberto? 

He is a very important player. Luis Alberto, as well as Immobile, was desperately missed for Lazio against Zenit in St. Petersburg. He is a footballer who brings the game in around him with his natural creativity. It will be a big plus for Lazio if he starts the game. 

Do you think the Covid situation will be a distraction for Lazio? 

Maybe, there have been some discussions about this situation and the effects it might have. But all footballers want to play. If they have no symptoms I’m sure they will all be desperate to play, even if they have a positive test. This worldwide situation is so incomprehensible, you just don’t know what restrictions are helping or what is the best course of action. The rules are quite strict with this and maybe some players have lost their match fitness because they haven’t been able to play, but overall, I think everything will be fine.

Miranchuk is now playing in Italy. Will he be a star there? 

I think he may well become one of the surprises of the season, because alongside Alexander Golovin, he is one of the most talented Russian players of his generation. He played great at Lokomotiv Moscow and in Russia are very worried that he’s not playing a lot there. But we know that you have a really talented footballer there.

Is there a new Andrey Arshavin in Russia now? 

I am sure that there is and he is growing up now. There are some prospects at our academy, where I am the sporting director for youth football. I see them in training and at the academy matches, there are some talented players, the only question is whether they will be able to fulfil their potential.

Your former coach, Spalletti, is now without a club, is that a scandal?

I have not thought about this situation, but we seriously appreciate Spalletti here. He is a very good coach and a professional. On behalf of our team and players who worked under him, it was an honour to do so. I think that sooner or later he will find another job.

Last question, we’re curios to know, how did your famous “shhhhh” celebration with the finger over the lips come about?

It was the early days of my career, I didn’t like something I’d read about me, so the goal was like a symbol telling that person to be quiet. It was purely symbolic, and really didn’t mean much, I just thought of it there and then, that's all.