Sergei Semak: "We always play to win and did today"

The Zenit boss spoke to the media after the goalless draw away to Ufa. 
Sergei Semak: "We always play to win and did today"

It was not an easy game, especially mentally. At the end of the first half we missed a penalty, but we had created a lot of good chances and it’s sad we couldn’t win the game. Missing chances sometimes happens, and it’s impossible to win without scoring a goal. The guys did great and gave their all, but we didn’t win. We go on to the next match.

Today Zenit U17 won their YFL-2 league, Zenit U18s are also challenging for the YFL-1. Are you following their success and could some of the young players be invited to train with the first team?

I would like to congratulate the team for winning the YFL-2 league title, well done to the players and the coaching staff. As for training with the first team, that is very unlikely, we have Zenit-2 and the U19 team first. We keep an eye on all our teams. We watch those players who we think could join the first team, we have a club coaching strategy, we meet with and follow the progress of our younger players and work out the best way for them to develop.

Was this the worst first half of football this season?

It's hard to say that. I didn't really like the first half. There were a lot of errors and it took time to get used to the pitch. We didn’t go out there with the right mindset to play, but the second half was much better.

Why did Douglas Santos play in the centre of defence and not Khotulev?

Khotulev also played. We need to look at different combinations and pairings. We also give young players time to gradually work their way into the team.

Why did the younger players not start the game, as the match was essentially meaningless?

We always play to win and did today. We are playing for ourselves too, it is important to play to win in every match, it is a matter of respect for ourselves and being professional.

Were you afraid to play Malcom and Zhirkov on this artificial pitch?

We weren't afraid. Zhirkov only played a short time and our next match will be on a natural pitch. Malcom has no issues.

How does it feel to return to Ufa?

I feel great when we win. I feel not the best after this result.