Vladislav Emchenko: "We need to execute the game plan for all 40 minutes"
Zenit guard Vladislav Emchenko shared his expectations for the home match against Bosnian team Igokea. Tomorrow's game in the WINLINE Basket Cup will be the last for the Blue-White-Sky Blues in 2025. Tickets are available on the club's website.
— What are your expectations for the upcoming match?
— We are looking forward to the final game of the calendar year. Of course, we want to go into the New Year holidays with a victory. We need to sum up this wonderful year with a home success. We are ready for the game; everything is in our hands, legs, and heads. As I always say, it will all depend on us. I believe we are stronger, but we need to prove it on the court every time. We need to stay focused and execute the game plan for all 40 minutes — not just in episodes, but from start to finish.
— Was it difficult to switch back to routine after the heavy loss in Kazan?
— We are all professionals; losses are part of the sport. Defeats should not throw us off course, even the most painful ones! I have always believed that what distinguishes the best athletes from the mediocre is how quickly they can recover from a loss, readjust, and overcome, first and foremost, their negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings after a frustrating defeat. They need to quickly forget their failures and move on, thinking about the next game and the next victory! Strength is not in never falling, but in falling and getting back up.
— What are Igokea's strengths?
— They have changed their roster a bit. Their style of play remains the same: tight defense, they try to play faster, and push for quick attacks. But we are focused on our game. We are prepared and know what to do. We just need to implement it all.
— What is your personal goal for this match?
— We have prepared thoroughly and analyzed what we will do with each opponent player. We have identified their strengths and weaknesses. We discussed the tactics for the game. However, in tomorrow's match, our energy and our desire to fight for each other and for Zenit will be of particular importance. After all, we need to score more and concede less! See you at the game!
