Yuri Krasnozhan has showered praise on http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Aleksei-Ionov-c4645 and has hinted at making three new signings this winter to compete for a European place this season
Kuban Krasnodar head coach, Yuri Krasnozhan, has insisted that Aleksei Ionov has become a more matured player since making switch from defending Russian Premier League champions, Zenit St. Petersburg, this summer.
There is little arguing to the statement that Ionov’s career at Petrovsky stadium has deeply been affected by a number of controversial incidents in the past.
The 23-year-old winger found himself in deep trouble after being arrested for driving in a state of intoxication prompting the St. Petersburg club management to release a statement about that they are thinking about terminating
the running contract with the player.
The Russian International was handed a year and a half driving ban followed by paying a heavy penalty to the state. Consequently, Ionov signed a three-year contract at Krasnodar-based club knowing that his days at Zenit were numbered
after the incident.
Krasnozhan, who joined Kuban stadium after replacing Dan Petrescu at the helm, revealed that Ionov has learned from the past mistakes.
“Of course, he has learned from the kind of mistakes at Zenit. I think it was the turning point for him and responded well after that incident. And now we can see a significant different in the boy, who has now become a ma. I have
observed his behaviour and I can say that he now try to avoid putting himself in difficult situations.”
“Ionov has many positive qualities but at the same time, there are certain things on which he needs to work harder.” The former Spartak Nalchik boss was quoted as saying.
Speaking on the upcoming winter transfer window, Krasnozhan confirmed that the Russian outfit will strengthen three positions. However, he refused to name any particular club or player.
The Russian tactician was of the view that the new signings will help the Yellow-Greens in getting one step ahead in their quest to challenge for the European places in the near future.
As things stand, Kuban are at the 4th spot on the league table above with 32 points.
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