During a scheduled briefing in St. Petersburg, a Volga press officer, Oleg Savinov, spoke with representatives about the forthcoming Russian Cup clash in Ulyanovsk. The venue for the decisive encounter is Trud stadium, a ground that will host the football spectacle as Volga prepares to welcome Zenit to their home turf for the cup tie. Savinov offered a measured response to coach Leonid Slutsky’s public remarks about the playing surface, emphasizing that the field condition was not a factor in the decision-making process and would not affect the kickoff or the overall planning for the match. The exchange highlighted a broader pattern of commentary surrounding field conditions and readiness ahead of a high-stakes match, with officials underscoring the steps being taken to ensure fair play and competitive integrity. (source: sports24)
The game is slated to kick off on February 25, with officials confirming a 14:30 Moscow time start. This schedule was confirmed after thorough coordination between the clubs, the league, and the stadium management. The timing is designed to fit within the cup schedule while accommodating travel logistics for fans, broadcasters, and the teams themselves. The day’s plan includes security arrangements, crowd control measures, and a comprehensive pre-match protocol to ensure smooth operations from entry to exit. (source: sports24)
In responding to Slutsky’s critique, Savinov stressed that the matter of the pitch is not a presenting problem for the competition. He pointed out that the field has been under careful assessment, noting that the stadium is subject to multiple inspections and ongoing maintenance designed to uphold pitch quality. Savinov asserted that the lawn is monitored by a team of arena specialists and an agronomist who follow a meticulous schedule to prepare the turf for football matches. The representatives conveyed confidence in the stadium’s preparation on the eve of the cup clash, emphasizing readiness and the belief that the pitch will meet competitive standards. (source: sports24)
The interaction also touched on broader logistical issues, including the possibility of Gazprom Arena serving as a reserve venue for the Ulyanovsk club. Zenit had proposed this option, but Volga declined. The decision reflects a careful assessment of venue suitability, travel considerations for supporters, and the logistical realities of staging a major cup tie in regional Russia. The conversation underscored that ground-sharing arrangements are not simply about capacity; they involve a complex set of conditions related to lighting, drainage, turf health, and access to facilities for players and staff. (source: sports24)
Earlier in the discourse, Zarema Salikhova, who is married to Leonid Fedun, the former president and owner of Spartak Moscow, joined the discussion by publicly criticizing the Russian Football Union for scheduling Russian Cup matches in February. The comment added another layer to the ongoing debate about scheduling, climate, and turf management in Russia’s winter months. The exchange illustrated how leadership voices from club circles can shape public perception of the cup ties and the preparation standards around them. (source: sports24)
As the February date draws near, both Volga and Zenit appear focused on delivering a contest that adheres to high standards of play regardless of the venue. With the stadium staff implementing the agronomic plan and the clubs aligning on travel and security logistics, the stage is set for a competitive match. The dialogue surrounding the pitch, while contentious at moments, has not diverted attention from the core objective: presenting a fair, exciting fixture for fans, players, and all stakeholders involved in this prestigious national competition. (source: sports24)