Zenit St. Petersburg’s http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roman-Shirokov-c31645 ecstatic over introduction of the third round
Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder, Roman Shirokov, has summed up his team’s performances and hailed the Russian Football Union decision (RFU) for enforcing the Russian Premier League third round.
Shirokov admitted that RFU has taken an important step for the betterment of Russian football and the third round will help the Meshki to gain fitness before reaching the later stages of the UEFA Champions League.
The former Saturn Moscow Oblast midfielder revealed that the decision would certainly help other Russian outfits that are participating in European competitions, Champions League and the Europa League.
Zenit will play against Anzhi Makhachkala before taking on Apoel FC in the group stages of the Champions League. Shirokov is of the belief that his side is ready for stern challenges in order to retain the Russian Premier League under http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Luciano-c22574 Spalletti.
“In Makhachkala we have felt always uncomfortable. We know the whereabouts and the audience. The atmosphere of Dagestani club is awesome. I hope that by then we will solve all their problems.” Shirokov was quoted as saying.
He added: “I think that all of the top-eight teams are in good shape, so there is no difference. We will be having problem playing against Kuban as we don’t know how will they prepare their field in winter. It all depends on the field.”
The former Rubin Kazan player went on to admit that he did not see the draws for the third round and highlighted that the league match against Lokomotiv Moscow at the end of November will be difficult to play.
The Moscow-based club have lost a single league encounter against Spartak Moscow since July. The Russian national revealed that Zenit need to focus to win the upcoming matches to stretch their lead atop the league table.
Zenit drew 1-1 against Kuban Krasnodar in the latest Russian Premier League encounter, however, they still are two points and a place above CSKA Moscow. Shirokov highlighted that Zenit need to alter the situation if they are to distance themselves from the title seekers.
The Russian Cup winner revealed that the league has become more complex and to play against teams belonging to the drop zone now needs nerves of steel.
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