Big-spending Anzhi’s qualification for next year’s Europa League is “very pleasing” for the team, but the next step is a Champions League place, director Roberto Carlos said Monday.
Anzhi secured fifth place in the Russian Premier League and a Europa League berth by beating Rubin Kazan 3-1 at home Sunday with goals from winger Mbark Boussoufa, ex-Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba and triple Champions League winner Samuel Eto’o.
“Our result is a credit to the whole team, which is growing day by day. Playing in a European competition next season is very pleasing for the team,” Roberto Carlos said on the team website.
“But next year we need to be fighting for a place in the Champions League. That’s what we expect from Anzhi.”
Anzhi are fit to represent Russia on the European stage, midfielder Jucilei said.
“We will put in a worthy appearance for Russia in Europe,” the Brazilian said on the team website Monday.
Only the top two teams in the Russian league earn a Champions League place. With one game remaining, Anzhi retain slim hopes of qualifying this season, as they are two points behind second-placed Spartak, although third-placed CSKA Moscow have a game in hand.
Since billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov took over in January 2011, Anzhi have recruited former Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink and signed players including Eto’o and ex-Chelsea wing-back Yuri Zhirkov.
Roberto Carlos played 25 games and scored three goals for Anzhi in 2011 before hanging up his boots to concentrate full-time on his management role, which includes persuading leading footballers to continue their careers with Anzhi.
Jucilei joined Anzhi from Brazilian club Corinthians in February 2011 for a reported fee of 10 million euros, and has since made 27 appearances, scoring one goal.