The match was a difficult one, I would like to have scored earlier and Andrei Mostovoy had a very good chance early on, If he’d have scored the game would have been very different. But instead of scoring, we conceded and made the job more difficult, but we responded with pride and deserved to win this very tough match. Congratulations to the team and I feel that not everyone is in peak condition right now, which is understandable and normal. We will train more and look to improve our game. We need to drop as few points as possible.
What is the situation with Ozdoev? How serious is his injury?
There is no information yet. At first it looked like a heavy bruise and it’s not clear how serious it is. A further examination will show us everything. It’s unfortunate that he could not continue the game.
How do you feel about Valery Karpin’s appointment as the new boss of the Russian national team? Did you have also get an offer for the job?
I did not get any offers. I am personally very happy for Valery Karpin. He’s a good manager and I support our national team and I will support him. I wish him the best of luck.
Why was Dzyuba subbed off? How happy are you with his performance? How ready is he for the start of the season?
This is Artem's second game after being with Russia at the Euros and in his first match he didn’t play a lot and today he played more. The same goes for Lovren and some other players who are just getting back their match fitness. We will try to give playing time to the players that need it.
Are you happy with the team’s first game at the start of the season? How did you decide to make those substitutions? And why did Sutormin take the penalty?
Because he is a finisher and takes them well. Regarding the subs, they were planned. Both Erokhin and Sutormin came on and did brilliantly, they really helped the team. All of our squad is ready to play and give their all to win, getting us goals and points. Today the guys showed this.
How would you rate Kravtsov's performance? It looked like Zenit did not really control the middle of the park today.
The match was very difficult and not an easy one to enter it. But he played with pride and didn’t make any mistakes, there is something to work on of course, but he is very talented and I hope he will progress. The confidence will come as he has the talent.
