- In olden times you faced Zenit very often. Can you recall the most memorable of these games?
- I remember the year when Zenit won the Top Soviet League (1984). They demonstrated really impressive play. In general it was never easy to defeat them.
I also remember the game in Kyiv we won 5:3 (November 21 1986). I scored four that day! It’s impossible to forget.
As for the modern history of Russian football – I think Zenit have made a step forward. They have won all national trophies. It will be interesting to face them again.
Our aim is not to win this tournament, but to prepare our team for the next season. It’s not easy as players work in three different groups.
- Will newcomers Lens and Mbokani and Veloso take part in this competition?
- Maybe they’ll take the field against FC Spartak Moscow on July 7. One may pick up an injury if he’s not in proper physical shape.
- How can you estimate physical conditions of your team at the moment?
- I suppose we are 50% ready for the next season.
- Can the game against Zenit catch the interest of Kyiv fans?
- I hope so. Nowadays Zenit are a very interesting team to play against. Of course we should remember that it is summer now, so may people are away on vacation, but still I hope spectators will come and support out team.
- Zenit will play their home match in Kyiv…
- It’s good for us. Zenit stadium is being prepared for the new season. Thus we’ll play three next games in Kyiv.
