It was a tough match and was very difficult both psychologically and to get the result today. We conceded first and had to get back in the game, we used up a lot of energy and it was tough mentally. The most important thing is that we won and we will now go on and prepare for the next match. We’ve taken one step forward. There is still more to do and more games to play.
Magomed Ozdoev was on the bench for the second match in a row. Does that mean he’s now no longer first choice?
Wendel is playing very well now, so he is starting with Barrios and has more creativity in the middle of the park. As for Magomed he was injured for a while and lost some form. We will go forward to the next match and those who are better prepared and needed by the team will play.
Can you comment on Prokhin and Mammana’s performance today? Do you think on loan players should be allowed to play?
I have already said that this is a controversial issue and everyone has their own opinion on this. My opinion is that I am against it. Mammana played well today. Prokhin gave away a lot of fouls at the beginning of the match. But overall, given his lack of playing time, I think he played well, like the whole Sochi team.
How did Chistyakov do replacing Lovren? And will Lovren return for the match against Krasnodar?
We'll see about Dejan next week when we have more information. Chistyakov played absolutely fine.It was not easy for him, but I think he coped well.
Do Mammana and Prokhin have a chance of returning to Zenit in the summer?
Of course they have a chance. They are loan players and when the season is over we’ll look at that question.
You’ve overtaken Petrzhela on the wins as manager table and now have 74. Only Spalletti, Morozov and Sadyrin have more. What does this mean to you?
The most important thing is that the team won. It’s a good number, but it’s the wins themselves that count. not their quantity.
How important is the result of the match in Moscow for you? Will you support Lokomotiv?
It is important that our direct competitors lose, but, as I said before the last match, everything is in our hands. We musn’t drop points as we've done this in games when we shouldn't have. Everyone will drop points, but the main thing is to drop less than the other sides.
