We’ve been anxiously awaiting today's match after the international break and then the Champions League, mentally perhaps we weren’t where we’d like to be, but anyway we played a good match today, especially the first half. In the second half, we also had a few chances, but we didn’t score. We played well in defence and didn’t allow Rubin many chances.
For the second match in a row, Zenit used three central defenders. We know why you did against Chelsea, but why did you play it today?
The player selection always depends on the condition of the players and how the opposition plays. We looked at everything when preparing for the match and decided to play like this, and it worked out well.
Artem Dzyuba scored for the first time this season, was there any reason for his goal drought? Did his omission from the Russian team affect him?
That didn't affect Artem, he played well in his last RPL match and even better in this one. He’s in good shape. Sometimes a player scores at the beginning of the season and sometimes a bit later. Throughout the season different players take on the responsibility of helping the team get the win.
Azmoun was absent today, was that due to injury? How long will he be out for?
Sardar has a muscle problem, swelling. He’s been examined and it’s nothing critical. We hope he’ll be out for just a short time, he might even be available for the next match.
