“I really missed training with the team and working with the ball” – Zenit captain Douglas Santos

Zenit defender and captain Douglas Santos spoke about his condition at the training camp in Qatar, and also shared his expectations for the first match in 2026.

Zenit is holding its first winter training camp in Doha. On Thursday, the blue-white-blues will meet with the Chinese team Shanghai Port.

— How do you feel after a week of work at the first training camp?

“It’s always quite heavy, because there’s a lot of running and strength work. But all this is very important to gain volume and get used to the load. Of course, everyone is looking forward to the first test match because it is rhythm and game situations that are difficult to create in training. We hope that everyone will be without injuries, and we will continue to work in the same good manner.

— In some exercises during training, you performed a role, simultaneously playing for one and the other team. How difficult is it?

— A very interesting playing role. It requires a lot of focus and concentration. You need to act very quickly, because there is practically no time to remember which team you are currently playing for. Of course, it is very important not to make mistakes, because the team against which you made a mistake will immediately take advantage of it, and you will come under pressure from the opponent. But I like it – it’s quite intense work. And in general, I’m glad that I returned to training with the team, I’m getting in shape and I hope to continue and increase the volume (of training) with the team.

— Considering that you were recovering from an injury in the fall, you probably missed football the most during your vacation?

– Yes, indeed, I really missed training with the team and working with the ball. It is a great joy for me to be in this training process right now. I hope that through the test games I will get more and more in shape, reach my level, complete tasks, help the team and then join the squad,” Match TV correspondent reports the words of Douglas Santos.

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.