We didn’t play well in attack in the first half, and it’s clear we had the advantage, but we created little, although we were able to score a good goal. The score in the second half allowed us to play more defensively and use quick counter attacks. We created some good chances, but unfortunately we didn’t score the second goal. We did not finish our very good chances and that's why we didn't win today.
Regarding tactics. In the second half, you swapped Artur and Mostovoy, why was that?
We changed them in the first half, after about thirty minutes. They started playing this way because we wanted the play between our defenders and attackers to be better. Douglas and Artur, Karavaev and Mostovoy understand each other better. Our attacking game has improved through the interactions of our full backs and wide attackers.
You’ve got a lot of Brazilian players at Zenit, with your experience could you see yourself managing a Brazilian club?
I’ve never really thought about it.
There were some negative chants about Zenit from the stands, what did you think of that?
They support their team, and our fans support our team. This is football and there’s nothing to worry about.
Zenit seemed to lack intensity today, or did you tell the players to slow down?
No, players have to keep and maintain the rhythm of the game to go forward when needed and to keep the ball when required. There were no issues in this regard. We played fine, except for when we conceded the goal. Unfortunately, another error.
You’ve now gone four matches without a win and only scored two goals in these four matches. Is this the most difficult moment in your six years at Zenit, and if not, when was more difficult?
There have been plenty of difficult times, and there have been worse moments, but the difference is that now how important the timing is, as it’s at the end of the league season. The loss of points is more acutely felt than at other times of the season.
The level of the league seems to have noticeably averaged out. Has Zenit become weaker or have your competitors got stronger? Or is it a bit of both?
Both. We lost Malcom and Kuzyaev from our attack and now we are depending on Mateo Cassierra. If he scores, then the team does it, if he doesn’t score, other players have not taken on the responsibility of scoring goals.
Today is the last time you will play at this stadium. How do you feel about this? Your next visit will be at the new arena.
This stadium is an historic one, one of the few remaining and a real one of a kind. Time passes and nothing lasts forever. I hope the fans will also like that the new modern arena that will replace it and will fill it when supporting their team.
Why was your contract extension announced at the height of the title race? Did you want to shake up the team?
This question is not only for me, you’ll need to ask the club’s management why they decided to announce it now. I think that the message from the management is that they support the team and the coaching staff, and understand that difficulty times and problems happen from time to time.
