Zenit unprepared for Malaga onslaught

Zenit St Petersburg boss Luciano Spalletti said his team was not ready for Malaga’s early onslaught in the 3-0 defeat at La Rosaleda.

Goals from Isco and Javier Saviola inside the opening 13 minutes had the Russians on the back foot from the start, something Spalletti admitted his players had not been expecting.

“They started the game strongly and we were not prepared for that,” the Italian told a Press conference.

“We knew they were going to play like that and the responsibility is mine for not having transmitted to the team how dangerous Malaga can be.

“We can’t apologise for it because a team can play well in the first 15 minutes even when they are behind.

“Anyone can think what they want and I will take on board all reasons and opinions, but what surprised me was the reaction of my team.

“It is a difficult period for us because the players are fighting less on the pitch.

“The defeats we’ve had gives our opponents the chance to exploit us and we have no right to make any more mistakes,” added the Italian.

Tags Zenit St Petersburg
La Liga - Club News