Sergey Karasev: "Right now, we need our fans’ support more than ever"

Zenit captain Sergey Karasev shared his thoughts ahead of the home game against UNICS. The second-round match of the WINLINE Basket Cup group stage will take place on November 5 in St. Petersburg, starting at 19:00 local time.

— Sergey, tell us how the preparation for the game against UNICS went. Did you have enough time to recover after the match in Krasnoyarsk?

— Yes, we did. We can’t look for excuses or anything like that. It was a tough trip, a lost game, and a shortened roster, but that’s no reason to complain. We prepared well, the mood is positive. Today’s training session was very productive and enjoyable. We worked hard and got ready. Tomorrow we’ll fight. As we were taught — we’ll give everything we’ve got on the court, because if the opponent wants it more, the win will go to them.

— What do you think is the main strength of UNICS, which has lost only once this season?

— They actually have a lot of strong sides. I’d point out their roster depth, and of course their big men — both Bingham and Reynolds. They probably form the best frontcourt duo in the VTB League, so it won’t be easy. I already told the guys that when the team is going through a tough stretch like this, everyone needs to come out with fire in their eyes — both the young players and the veterans. We have to fight on the edge of fouls — and sometimes beyond that. That’s the only way to win such games: through defense, through team chemistry, and through team spirit.

— The upcoming game will be on a weekday evening. What kind of reaction do you expect from the fans given the current difficult situation?

— I really hope that, as always, a lot of people will come. Of course, I fully understand that everyone has work and their own business to take care of. But I’m still very grateful to all the fans who come to the stands and support us. And especially now, in a situation like this, your support is twice as important.