Denis Zakharov: "Due to aggression and rotation, we took the lead and won"
Zenit guard Denis Zakharov highlighted the key factors that influenced the outcome of the match against Uralmash (89:79). This game marked the 150th match for Zakharov in the St. Petersburg club. In an interview with Zenit-TV, he shared his emotions about the milestone game and the gifts from fans.
— What are your impressions of the victory over Uralmash?
— It's great that we regained the interim first place, which we currently share with CSKA. The game wasn’t easy, but we’re happy to win before a short break and head into it in good spirits.
— We traditionally have tough games against Ekaterinburg. What are Uralmash’s strengths?
— The team plays good, modern basketball and shoots a lot of three-pointers. They also have excellent, strong players. Their individual skills and team interactions are solid, and their coach prepares them well for games. Therefore, we are glad that we won.
— Both teams wanted to finish 2024 on a high note. What was the key to today’s victory?
— In the second half, I think we stepped up our defensive aggression. In the first half, we allowed them to execute some plays too easily, without enough resistance. We lost concentration at times, but after the break, we corrected those mistakes. Due to aggression and rotation, we took the lead and secured the win.
— You’ve become the sixth player in club history to reach 150 official matches for Zenit. Does it feel real?
— Well, yes and no. It does feel like a long time. The best gift is that we won. It’s special for me personally on this milestone, for the fans, and for the whole team. I’ll be happy to carry the burden of Zenit for as long as possible. And I’m grateful to the fans for their small gifts and souvenirs.
— Since you mentioned souvenirs, what did they give you today? We saw a figurine — it is something new, right?
— Yes, a very cool, beautiful statuette and a huge poster. Honestly, I might have to buy a house just to hang it up — it won’t fit in my apartment! But it’s all creative and amazing. We’re grateful to them and always feel their support. Thanks for that.
— A short break is ahead. How do you plan to relax?
— We’ll take a few days off to recover from injuries, but we’ll still stick to our training schedule and maintain our form. Nothing extraordinary.
Dear fans, I wish you all a Happy New Year! Most importantly, take care of yourselves and your families. Stay healthy, and may all your dreams come true. Keep cheering for your favorite team, Zenit!
