“The game was competitive with many tackles, and both teams worked hard not leaving each other much space for attacks. I would say we played better and had more chances. I’m glad we were able to score and win. All of the players were ready both physically and mentally today, they were motivated to win and break the cycle of matches ending in draws. I think it was a deserved win. We knew that our opponent would be motivated, but we went on the pitch and did a great job. We realize that all the teams are in different positions, but we never stop playing, we always try to do our best no matter what the situation is and we aim for the win in every match.”

It’s clear why Mantuan was in the starting team today, he didn’t have much playing time during the season. Wílmar Barrios, on the other hand, deserves a longer vacation like the other foreign players, why was he present today?

“Without a doubt he deserves it, and I’ve been asked this question at the pre-match press conference. Speaking of Cassierra, he was called up by Colombia along with Barrios. We spoke to both of them and asked them how they want to get ready for the matches with their national team. Barrios said he wanted to stay until the end of the season, and we’re going to give him time off after Colombia‘s games. Mateo decided to split his vacation, so he will return for the training camp earlier. That’s the reason why Barrios stayed until the last match.”

Mikhail Kerzhakov has the most clean sheets this season, Aleksandr Vasyutin played a couple of matches at the end, and there’s also Daniil Odoevskiy. Are you going to sign a new goalkeeper to strengthen this position in summer or are only these three players going to compete for a place in the starting team? 

“We’ll see. Speaking of the transferring policy, we always try to strengthen every position whenever we can. If we notice the players who could join us and help us improve our game, we’ll sign them no matter what their position would be. We’re always working on improving the team. We’re going to start getting ready for the next season in this squad and we’ll see what will happen in the future.”

Aleksey Baranovskiy played three matches at the end of the season. How high is the chance for him to join the first team in the future? 

“I think that in order to join the first team the players have to play well and do their best during training sessions to prove that they’re ready. We give chances to youngsters and some of them have been training with us for almost two weeks. Baranovskiy did well against Orenburg, in Sochi he wasn’t as confident, but today he played better. I would say he has a chance to join the first team in the future. The young players have to get more experience, so those who are training with us now will start getting ready for the next season with the first team, and they’re going to get more playing time in the friendly matches we have planned. Then we’ll decide who stays for the season and who doesn’t. If our youngsters will be able to compete with the first team players, we’re only going to be happy.”

Can you already name the players who are going to leave Zenit this summer or is it too early for this?

“The only player whose contract has ended is Daler Kuzyaev. Everyone else still has contracts with the club. We’re not holding anyone here, so if any of our players will get offers from other clubs, we’re going to look into them.”