• We are really happy that we were able to win. Leading into this we knew that we had to hang on for three wins to become champions and now we have to have two. In the first half we were moving pretty well, in the second a little worse, but during the week we had the crazy game against «Sevilla» and we were a little work out after that. With teams like «Arsenal», it’s always really tough, but the main this is that we were able to win.
— Why were the two halves so different?
• In the first half we had good ball possession, we could have scored more than once, but the second half was tougher, maybe because we were worn out. We could have won 2-0 or 3-0, but the three points are more important anyway.
— How tough was it to get ready for the game with «Arsenal» after «Sevilla»? Were you able to go to sleep after that kind of match?
• It was tough to sleep — I was really anxious after it and wasn’t able to go to sleep until the morning. But by today’s practice we had already forgotten about it and were able to concentrate on the battle for the championship.
— What are you expecting from the next match against «Spartak»?
• It’s going to be a tough game. «Spartak» and «Zenit» is always a big battle. But we don’t have a choice and we have to win.
— When is «Zenit» going to become champion?
• I hope after the home match with Rostov, it would be ideal to clinch the title after a home game in «Petrovsky».
— What can you say about the rumours that have you going to «Juventus»?
• I don’t want to talk about that. I am focused on «Zenit», the championship and am not concerned about anything else.
