Nikolich on Zdelar: A Hardworking Defensive Midfielder Whose Time at CSKA Was Coming to an End

The head coach of Moscow’s CSKA, **Marko Nikolic**, commented on the transfer of midfielder **Sasha Zdelar** from the army club to St. Petersburg’s Zenit.

**– How critical was Zdelar’s sale for CSKA?**
– It wasn’t critical; it was expected.

**– Were you surprised that Zenit showed interest in Zdelar?**
– No. Primarily, I have respect for every player. I respect each coach and every player, including Zdelar, who has a solid career. He is who he is.

He’s essentially a defensive midfielder who runs a lot and tackles well. A good player, but his time at CSKA was gradually coming to an end. We were aware of this and spoke about it openly—there was no secret here.

**– It’s one thing in the summer and another on the last day of the transfer window.**
– I had no issues accepting this because, first and foremost, we anticipated it. Secondly, he had a great opportunity to earn and play at Zenit. We were prepared for that, Nikolic stated in the latest episode of the YouTube channel «This is Football, Brother!»

On Friday, April 4, the army team will face Moscow’s Dynamo in the 23rd round of the Russian Championship for the 2024/2025 season.