The blue-white-sky blue midfielder reflects on the match against Ufa and the first half of the season.
– It was a crazy game. In the first half we played quite average. We allowed the opposition to create the one chance and they finished it. The second half was insane. We played with total devotion, possessed the ball and we just needed to score one goal. We hit the post many times. In the second half we did everything right, but the ball just did not want to go in, and then I didn’t score the penalty.
Did the wet weather affect the game?
– In the first half we played against the wind, although I would not say that this was a problem or helped anyone. Of course, in the second half it was easier to play with the wind, and we gave all in the fight.
You missed a penalty, was it just bad luck?
– No. I took on this responsibility, but today I missed. It can happen to anyone, even the guys on our team sometimes miss. But before the penalty we had many opportunities to score. Just today was not our day.
Zenit played without Javi Garcia and Hulk. Did this greatly affected the team game?
– They are really important for the team. Hulk can score in every area of the pitch. But even without them, we played well, at least in the second half. We should have won this match.
What kind of mood will the team approach the match with Gent with?
– We have to go to Gent to win and finish the group stage with six victories. We want to make history for Zenit!
Do you think that it can be dangerous for Russian fans to come to Gent because of recent events?
No. All that is happening now in Belgium and Europe is not about football. I am sure that the fans will be alright. I follow the situation a bit, but try not to think about all this.
