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ADVOCAAT: ZENIT HAS MORE AMBITIONS
Zenit is playing Stuttgart today in St. Petersburg and the head coach
of the Russian team Dick Advocaat gave a brief interview to Sport Express.
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Dick Advocaat Photo SPORT
EXPRESS
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"I am looking forward to the first official game of
the season," said the Dutch coach. "We have trained for the
season for four and a half weeks and now we have a chance to see how fruitful
our work has been."
"At the training camps in Turkey and United Arab Emirates the spirits
in the team were high and I did my work with pleasure."
"In 2007 Zenit won the Russian championship, in 2008 won three trophies
including two European. And this season I expect the team to perform better
in the Russian Premier League [Zenit finished up fifth in the season 2008]."
"It is a vague statement but I don't think that there is necessity
for precise tasks. If the team does its best in every match and shows
its genuine level we will inevitably have success."
"I am sure four and a half weeks of hard work is enough to prepare
for the start of the season. And if I had a chance to put off the match
with Stuttgart for a later time I would not do it."
"I am pleased with the conditions of the team, I think we are ready
for big football."
"[In Germany only two names of Zenit players are known - Timoschuk
and Arshavin]. In Bayern and Bayer not many people heard about our players.
I hope after games with Stuttgart Germany will learn the names of all
Zenit players," laughs Advocaat.
"For example I know every footballer of Stuttgart and can call over
the list."
"I don't think there will be any problems with motivation. Last year's
victory is already a history. A football player should prove his competence
every day otherwise people will forget about him soon. Not only supporters
but a coach as well can forget him."
"We have a good team with talented players that want to improve.
If it was the other way I won't prolong my contract with Zenit."
Sport
Express Daily, 18 Feb 2009
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