Tuesday, 9th September, 2014
Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel has poured a bucket of praise on the club's coach Andre Villas-Boas, thanking the former Tottenham boss for setting him free.
Villas-Boas, who was sacked by Tottenham last term, quickly bounced back into management with Zenit earlier this year and came close to inspiring the St. Petersburg club to the Russian Premier League title.
Zenit are now flying in the new season under Villas-Boas, having won all their opening six games to sit top of the table with 18 points.
Witsel has been central to the side's success, having been moved into a more attacking role by Villas-Boas.
"Villas-Boas has set me free", the Belgian told ProSport.
"I have a good relationship with him and he allows me to focus primarily on my attacking tasks.
relatedNewsStory
"There is currently a great atmosphere in the group and this may allow us to go far. One thing is clear, the team are much stronger than before."
Zenit start their Champions League campaign next week, with their first group fixture seeing Villas-Boas head back to his native Portugal, with Benfica the opposition.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
