Rostislav Vergun: "We need to calm down, analyze everything, and think about what we can do better"

Press conference with Zenit interim head coach Rostislav Vergun following the loss to Lokomotiv Kuban in Game 3 of the VTB United League bronze-medal series. The game took place today, June 7, in Krasnodar and ended with an 85:81 win for the home team.

— Honestly, what I would like to say, unfortunately I cannot say. Everything has its price. Right now we need to calm down, analyze the game, think about what we can do better, and be ready for Game 4.

— What happened with Georgy Zhbanov?

— He finished his season.

— Even from the outside, games like this are difficult to watch. What is it like for a head coach?

— I just want everyone involved in this show called basketball to remember that we are all part of the same game. Everyone has families, children. Winning should only come through fair sporting competition. Everything else should stay outside the court.

I’m proud of my team and the way they fought despite all the circumstances. We have two very difficult days ahead and at least one more very difficult game. But I believe there are fighters in this team who will continue doing their job with honor.

— Can you clarify Georgy Zhbanov’s situation?

— He suffered an injury.