The match started well and we had a couple of good chances, but in games like this you have to score them. We saw one or two mistakes in defense with basic errors, incorrect positioning and this allowed Krylia to see that could take us on. We lost the feel of the game and the initiative.
We had a couple of good chances in the second half, but unfortunately, we didn't score them and instead conceded. When the score was at 1-0 we had a good chance to equalize, but it come off. To win, you must first score and today we failed to score and play reliably in defence, not the way we wanted. This is down to a few things, some of the players who played today maybe lacking match fitness. It’s a shame we couldn't win today, but we will prepare for the next match as we will have it very soon.
Zenit started well and in the first 15-20 minutes you created chances. What happened after that?
I think it's a question of confidence. I have already said that there were two or three mistakes when playing at the back. They created one, the second chance. The initiative and the control of the match, were good and going right, but things changed when Krylia scored and we began to make a lot of mistakes, the confidence that was needed was lost.
Many of your top players stayed in St. Petersburg. Do you regret not having them in the squad as you could have brought them on?
No, absolutely no regrets. We don’t have 11, but 20 players in the team. Everyone should get match practice and show why they should play. Given the number of matches we have ahead of us this was the correct option in our opinion.
Claudinho seemed to be agitated today and he spoke with you during the match. Did you think about subbing him?
We wanted to, but we didn't have time. It was quite simple, he spoke about the infringements that had taken place and the decisions of the referee put him in that state.
This is the first Zenit defeat of the season. Are there any positives you can take from it?
There are always positives. The most important thing is that only after a defeat can you learn and grow stronger, psychologically and emotionally. Defeats can be necessary for a team to move forward. Nothing terrible has happened, yes we always want to win, but this is probably impossible.
