Dick Advocaat: In 2007, Spartak promised Saturn $2.5m for a victory over Zenit

Russia head coach Dick Advocaat revealed how Zenit won the Russian league back in 2007, when he was in charge of the St. Petersburg team.

«What was the most difficult point of the season in terms of psychological issues?»

«The last match against Saturn Ramenskoe whom Spartak Moscow promised a lot of money – two and a half million dollars – if they beat us.»

«Were your players aware of this?»

«Everyone knew that. And here’s what I told them: even if Saturn were offered ten million before the game, you have to win, because you stronger in any case. The strongest always win, regardless of the number of zeros in checkbooks,» the Dutchman said according to Sport-Express.