“Running groups were formed based on test results” – Zenit coach Anyukov

Zenit’s assistant head coach Alexander Anyukov spoke about the team’s morning training session, during which running exercises and ball handling alternated.

Zenit is holding its first winter training camp in Doha (Qatar).

— First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the feast of the Epiphany. We, in turn, continue to work at the training camp. The players are gradually getting into shape.

— What did the team do during morning training?

— We alternated between running and working with the ball. Good workout. Everyone has recently returned from vacation and we also need to get used to the ball and movements with it. That’s why we alternate the technical complex with these exercises.

— What impression do the players leave?

– Good. The test with a mask is indicative – it gave a lot of information.

— The team performed running exercises in groups. Were they formed based on test results?

– Yes. This happens every year. First there are tests, then groups are formed, then gradually their composition changes – people move from one to another. This is fine.

— The day before, after a hard morning training, in the evening the team was offered quite funny games of relay races and football-tennis. Did this come as a surprise to the players?

“I think it’s cool when in the morning you have, one might say, rough work, and in the evening you have positive work.” You can laugh. This is good for the team.

— Are you going to practice this again at training camps?

“Of course we will,” the Match TV correspondent quotes Anyukov as saying.

Zenit will take part in the WINLINE RPL Winter Cup 2026 from February 3 to 10 in Abu Dhabi. Live broadcasts of all matches of the tournament will be available on the Match TV and MATCH PREMIER TV channels.