A post-match row between Samuel Eto’o and Yuri Zhirkov shows the passion at big-spending Anzhi, coach Guus Hiddink said Friday.
Triple Champions League winner Eto’o and former Chelsea wing-back Zhirkov got into a heated spat in the changing room after Anzhi’s 2-2 Russian Premier League draw with Dan Petrescu’s FC Kuban on Wednesday, Hiddink said.
“I’m a straightforward man and I don’t think it necessary to hide things like this. Moreover I see it as a positive that the players take an away draw with a tough opponent so badly,” he said.
“Anzhi’s growing and away draws don’t satisfy the team any more. Yes, emotions overflowed and the game was analyzed in raised voices.”
The incident shows that the team is motivated and reflects the “atmosphere of a top club’s dressing room,” he said.
“Things like that happen there because people are motivated only for success and they’re not indifferent to their team’s results.”
Former Russia coach Hiddink took over as Anzhi coach in February, replacing Yuri Krasnozhan. Anzhi are in fifth place in the Russian Premier League with two games left, occupying the final Europa League qualification spot.
