Zenit beat Milan at San Siro and are in the Europa League, but Coach Luciano Spalletti can’t help but feel “regret” at their Champions League campaign.
Zenit beat Milan at San Siro and are in the Europa League, but Coach Luciano Spalletti can’t help but feel “regret” at their Champions League campaign.
“We need more European visibility, so we pulled out a good – albeit tense – performance against a strong opponent,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
The 1-0 result was Zenit’s first Champions League away win for four years and their first ever on Italian soil.
“We played a bad Champions League and can certainly do better. Last season we went out in a bit of a strange way, but this time we have to take responsibility and learn from the experience to do better in the Europa League.”
Spalletti was asked about Hulk, who refused to shake his hand and vented frustration after being substituted.
“Hulk is an important player and he’s disappointed to leave the field. It disappoints me too, but our President called me up and said I made the right substitutions. Between Hulk being upset and the President being satisfied, I choose the President’s satisfaction.”