Zenit star: Gers don't deserve it

May 11 2008 By Gavin Berry

BIG-MOUTH Zenit star Victor Faizulin lit the blue touch paper ahead of the UEFA Cup Final by claiming Rangers don't deserve to be there.

But the Russian Under-21 star insists he's glad Gers did reach the Manchester showpiece - because they will be easier opponents than Fiorentina.

Cocky Faizulin said: "Rangers didn't show anything at all against Fiorentina. It was unreal and the Italians should have qualified for the final.

"But I wanted to get Rangers because they will be easier."

The frontman is the latest to have a swipe at the Light Blues' defensive tactics during their marathon European campaign.

He said: "Rangers defend more than attack and will do the same against us.

"It's hard to play teams like that and therefore it is vital we don't lose the first goal."

Rangers haven't lost a goal in open play in Europe for more than 420 minutes.

But Faizulin reckons that will change when they come up against Zenit's star striker Andrei Arshavin.

He said: "Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina failed to find the net against Rangers but we play a quick passing game and are fast in attack.

"Arshavin is probably the most technical player in Europe while Fatih Tekke could also play up front and he is always so dangerous."