Eto'o sees Russian Cup win for Anzhi

MOSCOW (AFP) –

Anzhi Makhachkala’s Samuel Eto’o (centre) in action against Newcastle United during their UEFA Europa League match in St James’ Park in northeast England, on March 14, 2013.

Anzhi Makahchkala captain Samuel Eto’o has said he is optimistic his side can win the Russian Cup to back up their third-place finish in the league.

“I’m really pleased with this season and our results as Anzhi took third place honours,” the 32-year-old Cameroun striker told Sport-Express daily on Tuesday.

“I also hope we (Anzhi) will have more reasons for celebration after the Russian Cup final this weekend. I believe we are capable of winning this trophy.”

On Saturday Anzhi will take on newly-crowned champions CSKA Moscow in the Russian Cup final at the Ahmad arena in the Chechen capital Grozny.

Eto’o, who recently announced his decision to extend his contract with Anzhi for another year, added that he was happy to avoid in the final a clash with CSKA full back Sergei Ignashevich, who misses the match due to picking up a red card in the semi-final clash with Rostov.

“I will feel myself much more confident in the final in the absence of Ignashevich. He’s an unbelievable player, almost unbeatable in every situation,” he said.

Of course CSKA have other skilled defenders but I was relieved when I was told that he will not play in the final.”

The four-time African Player of the Year also said he hoped that Anzhi’s Dutch manager Guus Hiddink will extend his contract with the club.

“I don’t know what he will decide, but I would like him to continue his work in the club,” Eto’o added. “He’s a unique coach. There are not many coaches like him in the world and I’d like to work with him further.”