A retro match will take place in St. Petersburg today. Legends of CSKA and Zenit will honour the memory of the famous coach Pavel Sadyrin, who worked at these clubs and the Russian national team.
Before the match, former Zenit player Pavel Pogrebnyak gave an interview to the Championship, where he said:
about the matches of legends and the creation of the veterans league; about the words of Glushenkov and Sobolev’s transfer to Zenit; about the progress of Lokomotiv and Batrakov, about Tyukavin’s performance and sympathy for Stankovic;
— Pavel Sadyrin Memorial Match. It is clear that you are still a young man. But are there any associations or memories associated with this? — I remember him only as a coach of CSKA and Zenit. Of course, his name was well-known back then. But I didn’t interact with him directly. Rather, this question should be asked to former CSKA and Zenit players.
Pavel Sadyrin
Photo by: RIA Novosti
— In recent years, the RFU has organised many veterans’ matches, which you take part in. Isn’t it difficult to get out and run? — Coming back to St. Petersburg is a special pleasure. All the best moments of my career took place here and are connected with Zenit. The RFU is working well in this regard: they recently played in Minsk. Going out on the field again and playing 11 against 11 is great. The football adrenaline has not disappeared.
— At some point, the idea of creating a full veterans league came up. What is it like now? — Such conditions existed, but the outlook is still not particularly bright.
— Can’t find the required number of players? – You can say it.
— Was the fact that the match was moved from Petrovsky to Smena an advantage, considering the pitch? — I would like to play at the legendary Petrovsky, or even better, at the Gazprom Arena. But the ground for the Torch is being prepared there. I don’t know what Petrovsky’s move is connected with. I have never played at Smena.
Smena Stadium in Saint Petersburg
Photo: fc-zenit.ru
— The main topic of yesterday was Maxim Glushenkov’s comments about the national team. Some people criticized him. How do you feel about such comments? — There is a sense of insolence in his words. Along with a true passion for football. At his age, I didn’t beat around the bush either. The man plays, scores and is up to date with the club. I didn’t come to the national team only when they weren’t called up. But we didn’t have such sanctions. This is his opinion. Moreover, he didn’t leave the national team.
— Does Glushenkov deserve any kind of public censure, for example from MPs? “Members of Parliament should mind their own business.” He certainly does not deserve public criticism.
—Were you surprised that he started so well at Zenit? – Yes. In St. Petersburg it revealed itself in a new way. It’s a pity that I’ve flown away now.
Two opinions from Glushenkov about the national team:
— Another notable signing is Alexander Sobolev, who is facing criticism from fans. How should you behave in this situation? – He scores points and improves his performance. Yes, it doesn’t help him much now. But he also played a couple of matches. Everything is at his feet. I didn’t have such problems. But to open up to him, you have to try seriously.
—Were you at all surprised that Zenit wanted you so much? – Honestly, yes. I didn’t quite understand this.
— Now Semak has three tall forwards, isn’t that a lot? — We saw a rough formation against CSKA. The trident was isolated from the midfield. Something didn’t work somewhere. There is not enough teamwork. As for the abundance of attacking players, that’s how the coaching staff sees the situation. There are also Glushenkov, Mostovoy and Brazilians. Don’t forget: Zenit is 100 years old. We must win everything and we must be fresh in every match.
— “Lokomotiv” — the opening of the championship. Even without a super team. How do they do it? — “Lokomotiv” pleases and surprises. There are a lot of young players, this team is very impressive. Of course, this is training. There is a good team there that fights for others.
— Is Batrakov the most brilliant footballer of recent years or is it too early to praise him? – He himself said that it was too early to praise him. So I won’t. In some clubs, even 16-17-year-olds play in the first team, so this is normal. It’s good that Galaktionov started to trust him. There is progress. The main thing is that it doesn’t end.
Alexei Batrakov
Photo: Dmitry Golubovich, “Championship”
— Will Lokomotiv fight for the top 3? – I would really like that.
“Dynamo fought for the championship last year, but are now only in fourth place. Do you see them as title contenders?” – Hardly for the championship. And they will fight for the top three.
— Tyukavin started the season badly. What’s wrong with him? – He has the main thing: the coach’s trust. He is highly valued at the club. He will score his own goals again. I think that will give him a point.
— Will Lychka complete the rest of the season with these results? – I can’t predict. Roma eliminated De Rossi after four rounds. Coaching is a very precarious job.
— Spartak also cannot get on the winning track, alternating wins with draws. Do you like Stankovic’s work? – Yes, it’s impressive. Stankovic is a man of status. And I’m looking forward to watching this “Spartak”.
— The club says it will claim all the trophies. Do you believe that? – What else should I say? It would be strange if they talked about fighting for the top three. It’s not just Spartak that talks about fighting for titles. What kind of championship will it be if everyone wants to finish second or third? Spartak can compete.
Pavel Pogrebnyak
Photo: Evgeny Asmolov, RFU
— Another big news from the summer transfer market: Artyom Dzyuba has left for Akron. What is your motivation to continue? — Breaking Loskov’s record (the best in RPL history in the “goal+pass” system, he has 120+145. — “Championship” note).
—You also played until you were 37. Is it difficult? – I felt great. I was playing for Urals then. And coach Matveev was amazed by Pogrebnyak’s physical form, that he can withstand the dynamics and pace of the game.
– Did you finish too soon? – I think so. It was still possible to move.
— Can Dzyuba beat Loskov’s record? – Definitely. There is very little left there (Artyom needs to write down nine more effective actions. – Note from the “Championship”).
Current interview with the former RFU boss:
Exclusive
“Russia will return two years after SVO.” Koloskov ruled our football for a quarter of a century
