The famous goalkeeper, who is two-time USSR Cup holder with Dynamo, congratulated Anton Shunin on joining the Lev Yashin Club and wished him not to rest on his laurels.
The Lev Yashin Club includes Soviet and Russian goalkeepers who have collected 100 or more clean sheets in official matches of the championship and the Cup, European Cup fixtures and games for the national team. Pilgui stays 22nd in this list having recorded 120 clean sheets.
— Anton deserved this result with his play and professional attitude. He always was loyal to the club. He stayed with the team until the end. Now he influences the team spirit in a positive way. Shunin needs to do his best, and everything will be fine. I wish Anton further success. He does not have to slow down.
— Do you remember Anton's first game at goal?
— I had favorable impressions of his play at once. It was clear that he was a goalkeeper with high potential, who could grow into a good football player. And it happened. Expectations were justified. Anton proved by his career at Dynamo that he is the core of the team today.
— Do you remember your hundredth clean sheet?
— To be honest, I don't remember this match, because I paid little attention to statistics.
— You have recorded 120 clean sheets throughout your career. Do you think Shunin will be able to overpass you?
— I think he can do it quite well. Moreover, my defensive line was stronger, if we take the personalities into consideration: Sergey Nikulin, Aleksandr Novikov, Valery Zykov, Vladimir Basalayev, Oleg Dolmatov. They were strong defenders. It is more difficult for Anton. In my opinion, the level of today's defenders is little lower now. But I am sure that if everything goes this way – I mean the same attention to our academy and competent scouting – then the team will grow. I am optimistic about the future.
— Did you like the first matches of the White-Blues this year?
— It seems to me that the game became more or less stable. It is clear that the guys are playing football. They show interesting football. All this happens due to the policy of the club's management and the coaching staff efforts. Sandro Schwarz managed to set up the play, although weak points still remain. If we continue to keep this pace and add some strong players to the squad, then, we will equally compete with Zenit.