We were aware of how important this game was and that Krasnodar are catching up on points. We knew that we had to win. In my opinion, we were in control of the game in the first half and we were creating a lot of chances. In the second half, unfortunately our teamwork seemed to have fallen apart. In the locker room we discussed that the second half wasn’t as successful as we wanted it to be. Although it’s part of the process and part of the progress. There are a couple of reasons why this happened, we were a bit tired and also a little bit stressed. Most importantly, we earned the three points and won the match. Without a doubt now we have to work on our mistakes and make sure that this doesn’t happen again.
You were seen playing in defence a couple times today. Was this the coaching staff’s plan?
It’s not a position I’m particularly used to, but it’s one of the formations we’re practicing during the training process. I have to be ready to play wherever the manager tells me to. I have to be ready to help my team at all times. Overall, I don’t have specific positional preferences. I’m happy that we didn’t concede and that we were able to score, even though it was only one goal. As for the position on the pitch, I’ll reiterate, I’ll be ready to play where the manager asks me to play.
You contributed to five goals that Zenit scored in the spring part of the season. Would you say that you’re successfully getting used to your new club?
I wouldn’t say that I’m fully used to everything. I feel like there’s still room for improvement both physically and mentally. Although the process of getting used to everything is going well for me. Without a doubt being able to help the team on the pitch speeds this process up. I’m going to keep working on everything. I know what condition I should be in to be able to say that I’m fully ready. As for now, this condition has not been achieved yet, but I’m working on it.
The weather was sunny and warm earlier this week, but during the training session on Friday it started snowing. Now the temperature outside is average. Is it difficult to get used to these sudden weather changes? Does it affect the way you play?
Without a doubt it’s unusual for me. Where I’m from there’s no snow, it doesn’t rain that much and it’s always warm. That’s one of the reasons why I can’t say I’m fully used to everything. Although it’s part of the process, I’m aware of which country I live in and which region it is. The weather changes here. I’m getting used to it, but all of this is still new to me.
Have you tried building snowmen this week?
This week I haven’t. Although last time I did that while playing with my daughter. This weather is new not only for me, but for my family as well. My daughter and I had fun throwing snowballs at each other and building a snowman. This time we didn’t do any of it though.
