Zenit's Andrei Vorontsevich on Tough Pre-Season: We Know Our Strengths

Zenit have just finished their first training camp under head coach Dusko Ivanovic. The side lost most of its friendlies and did not succeed in the VTB League Super Cup. Vorontsevich, a forward, spoke to Match TV about where things stand.

"I prepared individually myself and trained with the team for more than a month and a half. Waiting is probably the hardest part. As a player, I want to burst into the season as soon as possible," Vorontsevich said. "Of course we are in full fighting readiness, but naturally, after a holiday and individual preparation, you cannot be in peak physical shape, because you have no chance to train and play five-on-five. When the official games come, that break will cause a certain stiffness. That is why I say I cannot wait to start, so that this stiffness goes away for all the players."

"It has been a long break. But we have already played many games, and now we understand where our strong and weak sides are. What is left is to apply all this knowledge on the court. I have no concerns. Ivanovic is testing systems and line-ups."

"The atmosphere is fantastic, the players are all real professionals, all with strong professional standards. It is probably one of those teams where everyone plays for each other. No selfish players, no egoists. It fits the locker room dynamic," Vorontsevich said.