Before Wednesday’s friendly against Serbia, Team Russia leader Andrey Arshavin gave an interview to the Sport Express paper, in which he assessed the opponents and stressed the importance of the game.
“Judging by the names, Serbia is a very strong team. I always wondered why they can’t realize their potential in full. Perhaps something impedes their stars to unite and play as a team,”
Arshavin said, adding though that
“it’s difficult to assess not being a part of this team, and perhaps incorrect to some extent.”
Arshavin agreed, that in some aspects Serbs remind him of Russia’s national team.
“Indeed, we are Slavic brothers,” he said smiling. “But I think we play a more team football than the Serbs. I would say we lack some freshness.”
“You need to try to win in every game, be it a friendly or an official one. Besides, we have to regain confidence ahead of two crucial Euro qualifiers in September,” Arshavin stressed.
Speaking about the best Serbian players, Arshavin specially marked Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic, Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, Juventus midfielder Milos Krasic and CSKA’s Zoran Tosic.
Ivanovic, however, will not take part in the game due to injury.