Zenit head coach Sergei Semak spoke about the readiness of the team’s newcomer Mateo Cassierra to play against Red Star.

Cassierra moved to Zenit from Sochi on Thursday, signing a 3+1 contract. The Blue-White-Blues match against Crvena Zvezda will take place in Sochi on Sunday.

– Mateo Cassierra has one role – he is a striker. Now we need to figure out what form it is in. It is planned that he will fly with us to Sochi, and whether he will play or not will depend on his condition.

Mateo is having his first practice today, I don’t think he will have any problems adapting. He will need to understand the requirements of the coaching staff and play a little with partners. I think he will quickly be able to gain physical condition and join the team,” said Semak.

— How are the first days of Mateo acclimatization going? How does he fit into the team?

“Today is only his first day of training. The day before yesterday, he flew in, underwent a medical examination, and signed a labor agreement yesterday. We’ll see, I don’t think there will be any problems. He has Barrios, and there is a whole group of players from Latin America who will help him adapt. Plus, Mateo also speaks English, which makes it easier to contact Russian players. I don’t see any problem in adapting it. You need to understand certain requirements of the coaching staff, play a little with teammates. As for the rest, I think that it will be easier for him, since he has already passed the adaptation to the championship. I think he will quickly be able to gain his physical condition and join our team.

Last season, the 25-year-old Colombian made 23 appearances in all competitions and scored 14 goals.