Alexander Shcherbenev: "It’s a challenge for us to win the Supercup for the third time"
Zenit's guard Alexander Shcherbenev shared his expectations for the upcoming VTB United League Supercup, which will take place from September 11 to 14. The player also talked about which team he would like to face in the tournament's final. More in our interview.
— Alexander, preparation for the new season is in full swing. How are you personally feeling right now, and are you ready for the Super Cup matches?
— I feel great. We’ll see how I perform at the Super Cup and how the team shows itself because we’re in a team sport, not an individual one. The most important thing is the team result. So, I think the tournament will show where we stand, what we need to improve, and what needs to be added by the start of the season.
— Zenit has won the last two VTB United League Supercup. Do you consider your new team to be the favorite this time as well?
— Of course, but winning twice in a row comes with a certain amount of pressure. Everyone will understand that we’re a serious opponent, the reigning champion of this tournament for the past two years. So, everyone will be highly motivated to play against us with double the determination. For us, it’s also a kind of challenge to take the cup for the third time.
— Do you have a desire to face any particular team in the final? We know there’s one, your former club. Is that something you'd want?
— Yes, I’d gladly play Lokomotiv in the final. But let’s see what condition they’re in. After all, many teams are experimenting and pushing hard during preseason. It will be interesting to see all the teams and face the strongest one in the final.
— There’s already a superstition that the team that wins the Supercup can't win the championship. Maybe it’s time to break that tradition?
— I’d be happy to. I haven’t won the Supercup or the VTB League yet. It would be great to start my first season with Zenit with such a victory.
— Zenit will play three matches in three days. We know that even playing two days in a row is tough. How are you preparing for this difficult trip?
— Yes, we understand it won’t be easy. Fortunately, we have 12 players in rotation. Everyone can help the team win. I’m confident we’ll manage the minutes and do everything possible to win this tournament. And if I’m not mistaken, last year and the year before, the schedule was similar, and that didn’t stop Zenit from winning. So, we won’t be looking for excuses. We’ll only build on this and do everything possible to win.
