We recap the first third of the RPL season with former Russian national team captain Roman Shirokov.
— Are you surprised by how Krasnodar played after a difficult start? — Krasnodar has victories and this is the most important thing. But how can this be a sensation? Last season they fought for first place until the end. Why did they suddenly have to give it up? The team remained almost the same. From their point of view, they have also become stronger. So the Krasnodar results are a normal story.
The only thing is that they couldn’t beat Zenit at home for a long time. But it had to happen someday. Also, as you say, Krasnodar did not start well, but now it is in shape. The last few games are playing well. The match against Zenit was even. Whoever could take advantage of the opportunities won.
—Was Spartak wrong by not signing Córdoba? —If Spartak had the opportunity to sign Córdoba, they had to take advantage of it. Now only John is fighting for the championship and Spartak still does not live up to expectations. There were brilliant moments in several games, but now we have lost a little. If you understand, then we can talk about something.
On the other hand, why would Córdoba move to Spartak? Just because it’s one of the most popular clubs in the country? They haven’t said anything lately, but look at Krasnodar that season. What’s the point of changing something? Only if the problem is money. He could move in the winter if Spartak is interested. He will see what the situation will be in the championship and in the world, and he will build on that. In my opinion, Córdoba did the right thing by not transferring.
Córdoba in the match against Zenit
Photo: Sergey Apenkin, “Championship”
— What do you think of the last match between Spartak and Lokomotiv? Do the red and whites have problems in defense again? “I wouldn’t say it was a terrible thing.”
— Many people had questions for Denisov. – You persuade him in every way, as if he were the only one playing defense. It was still necessary to get the ball to Daniil. Why don’t you ask the attacking players who pressed badly? Or from the center line that they passed? Denisov plays in his own half of the field, the last third of Lokomotiv’s attackers. I saw a moment where Nicholson could have scored. Why are there no questions for him? It seemed like it was 2:1. We would have gone into half-time with a draw, but it is not known how the game would have turned out. As far as I know, questions are always directed solely at Denisov. They found him as a scapegoat. And others seem to be creating. It seems that such a promoted player arrived there.
-Barko? – Yes. Does it have a big impact on the game? Statistically yes, but in terms of the game… And he is one of the leaders. It’s probably also worth making a complaint to him or asking him questions. There are other guys who claim to be leaders. Why are they attached to Denisov? “Spartak” is probably not very good, that’s why they play like this. The bright flash was followed by recovery from sobriety. Now they will be rebuilt, they will look somehow different. I think they will work. Plus, they are getting crazy reinforcements: Mostovoy and Samedov. I’m afraid that after this the Spartak will fly. Wait a little. After the international break, you won’t recognize Spartak. They will work there now and charge you with positive emotions. So don’t worry.
Ezequiel Barco
Photo: RIA Novosti
— Can we expect the intrigue in the championship to continue until the end? – Won’t you open the table? As long as she’s there. Only 10 rounds were played. Six teams and the rest are already determined. Until the 22nd round, somewhere it will be possible to understand whether there will be intrigue or not. In general, not everything is so simple for us: although in winter there is a difference of six or seven points, in spring everything can turn upside down. So far everything is going well for the viewer. Everyone was promoting an easy path for Zenit, but this is not entirely true at the moment.
Spartak is eight points behind the leader and CSKA is also slightly behind. But they will win some games and can improve. There are teams that are a few points behind the leaders. Can Dynamo maintain this pace? “Krasnodar”, I think so. I’m not sure about Lokomotiv either, although they praise it.
—Were you surprised by Sobolev’s move to Zenit? “It’s a mystery to me why they need it.” But the club believes that they need Sasha, they bought him. Now they will think about what’s next.
—Can Alexander benefit the team? “We look from the side and there are managers and coaching staff who see the team every day. They know what they need. Maybe they want a different style of play. It is difficult for us to evaluate.
Shirokov once went in the opposite direction:
Classification
All the transitions between Spartak and Zenit in Russian history. Which was the best?
—How long will it take the Saint Petersburg fans to accept it? “Virazh” will never accept it. If we talk about ordinary fans, the so-called “Kuzmich”, who will play and score constantly, the attitude will be different. I don’t think there is any bad attitude towards him.
“But there are unpleasant chants directed at him. — You focus on the active part of the hobby. for them it is [переход из «Спартака»] unacceptable. Normal story. It should have been assumed that I would never have a good relationship with them. There are a lot of guys like that, probably a third or even half of the stadium. The rest can be normal or neutral. Everything depends on him.
