Villas-Boas: “Zenith” has to play in the Champions League – RBC

Villas-Boas: “Zenith” has to play in the Champions League

The head coach of the “Zenith” Andre Villash- Boas shared expectations of the fourth round match of the Champions League qualification with a “Standard».

– In the past year, “Standard” had a strong season and took second place. What you can find weaknesses?

– If you search, you can find them, and we and the strong and weak points. If you look at our last game, we also carried out its not the best way, and they, in turn, even in that meeting, which gave way to a 2: 5, shown in a direct and purposeful football, with two strong hitters, and scored two great ball. We work so how can they, too, so that all learn each other.

– As already mentioned, the coach “Standard” today said that “Zenith” could easily qualify for one of the the first five places in the Premier League. As someone who has recently worked in England, can you evaluate this statement?

– Here is difficult to compare: Russian and English Premier League – different tournaments. In Russia – strong championship. In addition, we have strengthened new players, making certain investments in an already strong team. Our task now is to win the championship of Russia, and in Europe – to get into the elite. This means that the “Zenith” has to qualify to play in the group stage of the Champions League. Although anything can happen in football. You may recall how recently for the right to get to the World Cup play-offs fought the Swedes and Portuguese: and there, and there were strong teams and great players, but someone had to yield. Our desire to be in the group is very large, all the game will show.

– Will play tomorrow Javi Garcia?

– No, he did not play.

– On the “Zenith” is a lot of pressure due to the fact that the team needs to go further. How do you feel in this situation?

– I always feel pressure. Because the pressure – this is what makes you move on. If, say, you’re a journalist, ask a bad question, will surely get a claim from his editor. The pressure in such work exists everywhere – quoted Villas-Boas official website of «Zenit».

«Standard” and “Zenith” will play Aug. 20.