Yury Zhirkov: Chelsea’s pre-seasons were more exhausting than Anzhi’s

Ex-Chelsea midfielder Yury Zhirkov admitted he finds Anzhi’s mid-season preparations less demanding than the ones at his former club.

«I had tougher training sessions in the past. With [former CSKA Moscow manager] Gazzaev, for example. We had to do marathons, the Cooper test… And at Chelsea the training was even more intense. No breaks, everything was planned meticulously. I was more exhausted after those sessions. Especially with long-distance flights – America, Malaysia,» the Russia international told Sovetsky sport.

«[Anzhi coach] Yury Krasnozhan wants me in midfield? Well, that makes me glad. I always preferred playing further up the park. In the middle, on the wing – it makes no difference to me. But if I have to cover the left-back position during the season, it won’t be a problem.»