Spartak boss sets champions points target

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MOSCOW, May 11, 2017 (BSS/AFP) – Spartak Moscow manager Massimo Carrera has set his newly-crowned champions a 70-points target and wants his side to see out the remainder of the season in dignified fashion.

Last weekend, Spartak wrapped up a record 10th Russian Premier League title but first since 2001.

They are on 63 points, 10 points clear of city rivals CSKA and cannot be caught with only three matches remaining.

Ahead of Saturday’s game against Amkar Perm, Carrera spelled out his twin ambitions for the end of season run-in.

“I’d like to collect 70 points this season,” the Italian told Russian television.

“That means we need to keep on winning. In any case I expect Spartak to play with dignity in the remaining matches.”

CSKA, battling for a place in next season’s Champions League third qualifying round, on Friday face Arsenal Tula, who are second from bottom and desperately need points to avoid relegation.

The Red Army side’s Swedish midfielder Pontus Wernbloom said he and his teammates wanted to grab maximum points in the remaining games to pip Zenit for second.

“We’re focused on the upcoming matches with Arsenal, Rubin and Anzhi,” he told CSKA’s official site.

“The results of these games depend on us and we will definitely give everything we have to earn 100 percent points.”

Zenit, in third, have one point to make up on CSKA if they are to reach next season’s Champions League and face relegation-threatened Samara.

Zenit coach Mircea Lucescu expressed disappointment with his first season at the club.

“Unfortunately we’re in a situation where not everything depends upon us,” he told Zenit’s official site.

“I expected to achieve a much better result this season. But regardless of the situation, we will fight for the Champions League spot to the bitter end.”