“Mordovia” of Akaki Khubutia won 2 from 3 matches at Russian Premier League. The team beat “Anzhi” (2:0) and “Krylia Sovetov” (2:0). “Mordovia” lost to “Zenit” (0:1). The Russian press praises “Mordovia” and mentions that it is another team – much stronger than last year.

Khubutia always plays and receives high estimations.

“World Sport” contacted Akaki to Russia and found out about “Celtic” Glasgow.

- Leading European clubs also find it hard to beat “Anzhi”. How did you do that?

- After the match, Guus Hiddink, Dutch head coach of “Anzhi”, stated that “Mordovia” wanted to win more. We carried out instructions of our coach Dorinel Munteanu. It was the first match after the break. I think, competition is the most important in football. If you do it, you can beat anyone. Unfortunately, “Mordovia” was in the last place and had only 9 points. 8 rounds are left but we will do our best to keep place in Premier League.

- You played against Samuel Eto’o, Hulk…

- They are high class football players. I think I played well. Those who watched the match against “Zenit” think we did not have to lose. Our football player was sent off.

- If “Mordovia” leaves Premier League, how will your issue be decided?

- I have contract till the end of the next season. We do not think about the loss. We are concentrated on these 8 matches.

- Do you think you are on better form now than in “Gaz Metan”?

- Yes. I held such meetings with “Mordovia” that never had. First, in Cyprus and then - in Turkey.

- Munteanu proved in “Otelul” that he is high class specialist. Did he know you from “Gaz Metan”?

- Perhaps, he knew me. We have not talked about it. Championship of “Otelul” was such surprise in Romania, like if “Sunderland” or “Fulham” become champion in England. Other teams had better squads than “Otelul”. Nobody considered it as a favorite. It is the time when 5 Romanian clubs played at European tournaments.

- On the national team where you are called up but did not have a chance to play…

- It is a decision of Temur Ketsbaia. The most important is to be on good form in the club. None of the Georgians participated in my transfer. I got in Romania and “Mordovia” by myself.

- Have not you got Czech agent?

- Yes, but I broke contract with Dalibor Lacina. Lacina told me he liked my play against Croatia. We signed contract after that match. When he asked about me, the Georgians told him to observe others… I just say that the Georgians did not help me to find clubs. I went to “Plzen” in January and then, they changed their terms. That is why, I refused to stay in “Plzen”. Before that, there was a variant of “Celtic” Glasgow. They waited for me from November 22 to 30. I could not receive British visa on time. I received it on December 2 but it was no use. “Celtic” sent the invitation three times. However, the reason why I did not go there was other. As I found out somebody informed the club with other information about me.

- Who? Georgian?

- I do not know. My then agent Lacina told me Lennon was not advised to add you. I did not want anybody to know about “Celtic” but Georgian Football Federation helped me to get visa. So, everybody found out about it. They transferred a defender from Israel.

- 75 per cent of play in the national team? Is not it demanded in Britain?

- I told them I did not have 75 per cent of play in the national team. I was told Scotland made this process easier and if you are called up for the national team regularly, you are considered as a member of the national team and it is easier to receive British visa. “Celtic” knew it and worked on this issue.

Ilia Nanobashvili