Former player and coach of FC Zenit Aleksey Strepetov commented on the results of the draw for the 1/16 finals of the Europa League, following which Zenit will play with Betis.
“Nobody knows yet whether Zenit will make it to the 1/8, but our team’s chances should be high. Because Zenit aims to perform well, and even reach the final of this cup. Such a task will clearly be set by the leadership of the team and the head coach. And we need to build on this, and not look at the opponent and each match go out from 1/16, then from 1/8, 1/4 and play only to win, and go further to the final “, – said Strepetov.
According to him, Spanish football is not the easiest opponent. Betis is one of the leaders, it is in the top three of the Spanish championship.
“This is a powerful, strong, such a proud team and we hear about it that many players have gone through top clubs in Italy, England, Spain. And here they also show their worth. The Europa League is a certain podium for the players and Betis will fight to get as far as possible, ” – added the interlocutor.
The ex-Zenit coach is convinced that the team needs to tune in to a difficult confrontation with very technical football, because the Spaniards brought “this control of the sword, this pressure and, in general, this is Spanish football.” But although Betis is a strong team, it is still passable for Zenit.
But the return game against Betis in Sevilla is worrying. The first game will take place at the Zenit Arena and, according to Strepetov, it is necessary to make some progress there, because “it is difficult to play with all the clubs in their homeland”.
“In principle, no matter how we sort it out, we got a very, very serious rival, and all the rivals that we could get caught would be serious. How will the Zenit team prepare, how will Sergei Semak prepare, because we have practically little game practice, we will see if our team will gain, and most importantly, what transfers our team will make during the winter transfer window, who will leave the roster – this is all very and very much influences. The club’s transfer policy will certainly affect this game. “, – summed up Strepetov.
Earlier, “MK in St. Petersburg” wrote that the draw for the 1/8 finals of the Football Champions League will be held again due to a mistake.
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