Spalletti talks down resignation speculation

St. Petersburg, March 14 (IANS): Russia’s FC Zenit St. Petersburg manager Luciano Spalletti has dismissed rumours of an impending resignation as the club’s fortunes continue to dwindle.

Defending Russian Premier League champions Zenit go into Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second-leg clash with Swiss FC Basel with a 0-2 loss in the previous encounter.

Zenit is facing the possible elimination from Europe’s second-tier competition after being widely expected to pose a threat to Europe’s top clubs in the Champions League.

Zenit has slipped to the third place on this year’s Russian Premier League table, eight points behind current leaders CSKA Moscow.

“I am not going to resign because the situation can be remedied. This team can win,” Spalletti said.