Vyacheslav Karavaev: "This is the Champions League and we have to be ready to take the points"

The Zenit defender spoke to the media ahead of the match with Juventus.

Vyacheslav Karavaev: "This is the Champions League and we have to be ready to take the points"

Are you fully fit and ready to play 90 minutes?

Yes, I’m fully fit and ready to play. I played 20 minutes in Tula, so everything is fine and I'm getting ready to play.

Was the 20 minutes enough to be match ready?

Yes it was enough. I’ve trained all week and even I’d played less in Tula it wouldn’t make a difference.

When the draw was made Cristiano Ronaldo was still at Juventus, are you disappointed that you will not play against him? Or are you pleased that Juventus are weaker now?

To be honest, I’ve not thought about it. We’re thinking about the team as a whole and they have a lot of top players there, even without Cristiano. There is nothing more to say.

What is Juventus’ strongest part of their team?

They are very strong everywhere, but they also have some weaknesses, like any team. I can say their overall team play, defending, attacking, all are very good.  

What are you expecting in tomorrow's match? They are top of the group and are in form having won games in a row. Whereas Zenit have had two defeats in a row. Are you worried?

We’re not worried and a very tough game awaits us. It’s not the time to be worried after our recent setbacks. This is the Champions League and we need to be ready to take the points.

What’s more important for you personally, to beat Juventus or Spartak?

The next game is with Juventus, we’re only thinking about them.