Interview of the Zenit head coach for the Match Premier channel

The head coach of the Zenit team, Sergey Semak, gave an interview for the Premier Match channel before the meeting with Tambov.

— Sergey Bogdanovich, if we talk about the starting line-up for today's game, a round-robin appears from the first minutes. Why is this choice made? Why is Zhirkov in stock?

Because the game was only two days ago. Naturally, two days are not enough for Yuri to fully recover. Moreover, we have an alternative option with a Round-robin, which has earned - both as a substitute and in the training process - a place in the starting lineup. Just look at his actions.

"Tambov", despite the fact that it does not act in the best way at the start of the season in terms of results, it misses quite a bit. Do you have an understanding of why this dense defense should be hacked?

The defense is well organized, experienced players who know how to play in this scheme, which involves defending both quantity and quality. Therefore, it is difficult for any team to open such an organized defense. As for our matches, last season there were quite difficult matches both at home and away - 2:1 both there and there. Therefore, we are waiting for a hard game.

Today is Artem Dzyuba's birthday. Did they congratulate him in the morning in the team or did they leave everything for after the game?

— Traditionally congratulated the team at the morning warm-up. I think the most important congratulations will be this game - so that both he and the team congratulate him on his birthday.