Denis Zakharov: "We will try to please the fans with victories and great performances"
— Denis, after an intense preseason, are you excited that the new season is finally starting?
— We are very happy that the preseason is behind us, and we're pleased that matches and a new season are ahead. The preseason is a long and tough period, with intense training to lay the foundation for the entire year. It's never easy. We're glad this period is ending, and we're entering the season in a good mood.
— How are you ready personally for the season?
— I’m ready and excited, just like the whole team. I believe the coaching staff has prepared us well for the season. Maybe we're not at our peak yet, but at the start you don’t need to be in perfect form. The ideal shape should come by spring.
— Zenit turned ten in August, and this is going to be a special season. What are your expectations?
— My expectations for the upcoming season are the highest. Every season, we start with thoughts of winning the championship, as the club has no other goals. The club's tenth anniversary is great, but our objectives remain the same as before. We’ll aim to win every game.
— Who do you see as the team's main competitors for the championship title?
— It’s hard to talk about competitors now since it's a long season ahead. Based on budgets, four teams stand out. But we shouldn't forget about other teams like Uralmash, Enisey, and Samara. We’ll aim to win every game, and we must never underestimate our opponents.
— There are 44 games ahead. Do you like the new format of the championship?
— 44 games is great. It's crucial to stay healthy throughout the season and avoid injuries. This will be one of the main factors for success. The format is new for us, but we're not unfamiliar with such a number of games, since during the Eurocups there were even more matches. Playing is always better and more interesting than training.
— Your first opponent is MBA-MAI. What are your expectations from the team, which you already faced during the Kondrashin and Belov Cup?
— We know the opponent well. They are young guys who play modern basketball. They shoot a lot, run, and defend. We will scout them, analyze the mistakes made in the previous game, and try to fix them.
I would like to wish our fans good health and thank them. Come to our games and support us. We really need your support. Thank you for coming to watch us, and we will try to repay you with victories and excellent play.
