Advocaat

Dick Advocaat hinted strongly that Andrei Arshavin would not be sold. He thinks that he doesn't need any more players - providing none leave. He says that reports of Tottenham's bid were exaggerated. They never bid €22m; it was 16 and they had no intention of letting him go for that.

Zenit's policy is that Arshavin has been told that he can go if they get an offer of €25m. Nothing approaching that has been forthcoming. Russians say their transfer policy is different. You don't have to put in written transfer request; you just ask to go and they set a price. A couple of years ago Kerkhazov behaved like a total c**t; basically refused to play and threw a gigantic tantrum until he got his move. Arshavin merely whines that he wants to leave. A true gent compared to Kerkhazov.

Also Advocaat says he was misquoted by British media over African players last season.

Edit: Ah Cr@p; meant to post that in European Leagues. Please move it if not too much trouble.

We love our Dick

Thanks!

Interesting...so despite all the (media-generated) hype about him, there were only two clubs that made an official offer, and Spurs gave 16m euros while Barça gave 15m.

Actually African players bit is worse. Advocaat said that he said nothing at all about them. About three years ago Zenit had different owners. It's bizarre really. They were connected to Jewish money, but had strong links to racist ultras. Son of former owner was virulent racist who basically made those remarks and more. It was a former coach who said that he could not sign African players, not Advocaat. Got contacts at Zenit now, so will chase this and other matters up when I have time.

Just to be clear neither Dick Advocaat, nor current owners have problem signing black or African players. Advocaat reckons doesn't need more players unless significant offer for Arshavin comes in. Will explain more on Arshavin later - lounging around on the riviera beckons!

Advocaat said that Arshavin was told that he could leave if a club offered €25m for him. Arshavin has made it clear he wants to go. He plays well and then says he wants to go. Tottenham were given seven weeks to complete the deal. This was over two months ago. They kept trying to drive price down. Arshavin tried too. Zenit stayed firm.

Tottenham's bid was significantly lower than asking price. Basically Zenit don't want to sell, but after Kerkhazov affair are being careful on how it is done. Transfer unlikely as little time to bring in replacement.

Damien Comolli was in Monaco as well for UEFA Draw and Supercup. He claims both Tottenham and other clubs act ethically in transfer market. Advocaat unimpressed with conduct of Tottenham, but wants to keep Arshavin.

Russians say there was serious interest in Pavel Pogerbnyak, but nothing came of it.

If he only stayed injure free before the Euro. It's sad really, because he's such a great player, but haven't been able to show himself off too much.

Word in Russia is that Pogrebnyak will leave; it's when and for how much? he is 24 and will have his chance. Being suspended from UEFA final didn't help either.