“Spartak” and “Juventus” are at the same level of popularity” – Carrera

Former head coach of Spartak Massimo Carrera assessed the level of popularity of the Moscow club.

The Italian worked for Spartak from 2016 to 2018. Under his leadership, the team won the Russian Championship and the country’s Super Cup.

— You said that Spartak is the most popular club in Russia. Are you feeling it now?

— Of course, Spartak is a very strong club. He has won a lot in his history. Of course, this is an outstanding club, which is why it has such a large army of fans.

— Is Spartak more popular in Russia than Juventus in Italy?

— I think they are at the same level of popularity. Spartak has the largest army of fans in Russia, and Juventus in Italy.

— Can the current Spartak fight with Zenit?

— I think if Spartak plays like in the first matches of the season, then there are chances. The team is strong, the coach is good, so, of course, they can impose a fight.

— Why, in your opinion, did this series of championships for St. Petersburg begin and Spartak cannot interrupt it?

— We must pay tribute to Zenit. They worked well with transfers. Apparently, somewhere the St. Petersburgers tried harder and showed themselves better,” the Match TV website quotes Carrera as saying.

After Spartak, the 59-year-old Italian worked at the Greek AEK and the Italian club Bari.