Alexander Shcherbenev: "We will do everything to take first place"

Zenit guard Alexander Shcherbenev — about the past summer, the updated Blue-White-Sky Blues squad and his expectations for the season.

— Alexander, how was your summer?

— I had a wonderful summer. I managed to rest, spend time with my family and play for the national team. We played both in Moscow and in Egypt. I even got to see the pyramids. So it was a productive summer, I spent it usefully. I’m inspired by the start of the new season.

— What impression did the pyramids leave?

— The locals told us it wasn’t worth going inside since there’s nothing interesting there. But we rode camels, which was exciting. I think everyone should visit Egypt at least once.

— Zenit’s roster has been strengthened by former Krasnodar players Vladislav Emchenko, Dmitry Uzinskiy and Andrey Martiuk. Will you now be their guide around St. Petersburg?

— Yes, of course, I’ll help the guys. I’m glad they joined us. I think the atmosphere in the team will be positive. We’ve known each other for a long time, and I hope this will be useful, and that the guys will help us win the championship. I think we should go to the theater together, walk around the city center and soak up the spirit of St. Petersburg.

— What are your expectations for the season?

— Our task is to fight for the very top positions. The team has changed a lot, so we’ll be building everything anew. With such a fighting squad, we’ll do everything to take first place.