“It took time to explain to agents and players that everything is fine in Russia.” Basketball “Zenith” is ready to defend the title

– Javi Pascual called last summer the toughest of his life. How was the summer for you?

– Passed as usual. We were mainly involved in the transfer campaign. Indeed, there were some difficulties. But in general, this summer was not fundamentally different – everything is business as usual.

Part of the team, as always, remained, part of the players – new faces. It was necessary to find optimal solutions, to agree, to choose conditions for them.

— What difficulties did you encounter during the transfer campaign given the political and economic situation?

There were no economic problems. As for the politicians, it took longer to explain to agents and players that everything is fine and stable in Russia, life goes on.

– You said that the task is to attract students from the club system to the main team. This season, the team included players from the “Zenith” system?

– We can talk about the main team after the end of the pre-season stage. The guys from last season’s youth team are training with the base, they are fully involved in the lessons. Then the choice is up to the coach.

In addition, we must take into account that this season we will have a Superleague team. This will give a huge boost in terms of reserve readiness. The presence of such a link in the training system will allow us to announce during the season who will replenish the main team.

Are you and Pascual happy with the new team?

“We have the best possible team.

– Is the new team capable of winning another cup?

We will do our best to do so. Then it depends on a set of factors – the schedule, the condition of the opponents, the injuries of the players… That’s life, that’s our job, nothing changes.

– Ahead of the season without the Euroleague. How does the team react to this?

We understand, we are already reacting. We understand that this stage must be experienced. We have to be ready to come back. To do this, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate level, stagnation should not be allowed. Both at sporting level and at club level, we have to move forward. Our task has become more difficult. It is believed that repeating the success of the champion is always much more difficult than winning the title for the first time.

What must be done to repeat the success of last season? Work twice as hard?

We always work hard. Hard work and dedication.

What is the hardest part of the season for you personally?

– Yes, the whole season is difficult. I can’t segment. No one should relax: neither the team, nor the management, nor the coaches, nor me.

– Zenit has a new outfitter. What’s new in form design?

— Last season, we were at Adidas. We are now in Kelme. The quality of the form is very good. Satisfied with the material. Fans and media will appreciate the new design for this season. We will introduce our fans to the design, the font we use on the equipment.

— Satisfied with “Zenith” fans? Is there a basketball culture in Saint Petersburg?

– Such excitement, such support, which was in the last games of last season, in basketball is not seen so often. Not all championships can boast of this. There was an incredible atmosphere at the Sibur Arena. With such support, we were doomed to win.

– From a public relations point of view, will there be new projects in the club?

We prepare them. I don’t want to reveal the secret now. We will show you step by step. You have to wait a while.

– You have signed a new three-year contract with the club. What is your challenge for this period?

– Me personally ? The club must evolve and become bigger and bigger in terms of status.

In the near future, it is important for us to show the results of our youth project. It seems that last season there was already a result, but that’s only part of what was expected. We have our own agenda, our own understanding. We move forward according to our ideas. We will continue to work.