Dmitry Gulenkov, the first coach of Bayer goalkeeper Andrei Lunev, has assessed the Russian keeper’s prospects.

Previously there were rumors that Lunev could move to Qarabag, but the Azerbaijani club has already refuse of this option.

“Most likely, the transition from Zenit to Bayer was a mistake. I did not discuss the transfer with him, but, according to rumors, the St. Petersburg club acted badly with Andryukha. Yes, and he has long wanted to play in the best club in Europe. The opportunity came, and he grabbed that straw. Even if it was necessary to understand that the German team has a good goalkeeper, which means that there will be tough competition. Apparently, he didn’t calculate his strength and was unlucky somewhere. Why didn’t you play for Bayer? Goalkeepers rarely change. For example, take Akinfeev. He cannot be replaced. Where and by whom? Plays regularly. Yes, he is wrong, but a lot is forgiven. If you remove a reliable goalkeeper from the base, you should have two more heads. Lunev and the goalkeeper of the buyer of the same level Andrei had to wait for the injury of the main goalkeeper – there is no other way.

Does it make sense to play in Europe? André is a good goalkeeper. Everything is in his hands, and age allows him to play. You have to keep trying and keep trying! I think he’s no worse than most of the best goalkeepers in Europe. But it is impossible to rush to all the offers. He’s still a player with a name: he was in the national team, played for Zenit. And it’s not worth grabbing a small offer. Should be a decent option. I hope he finds a team soon. He has a desire. Lunev got even angrier because he couldn’t beat the competition, but, in my opinion, he didn’t lose it. Andrei is not the right age for a goalkeeper to end his career. The name and the experience are there to get into the frame and play what it’s good for. I think he has good options. And not just go to Turkey – not the strongest league. You can also go back to Russia,” Gulenkov said in an interview with Sport24 correspondent Zarina Khalikhonova.