Bozovic weighs Dzyuba’s future after football
Former head coach of several Russian Premier League clubs, Miodrag Bozovic, spoke to Sports24 about Artem Dzyuba’s plans after his playing days. The Montenegrin expert offered his take on where the Lokomotiv Moscow forward might be headed once his professional football career ends.
“What will Dzyuba do after his career is over? Anything could happen. There is no clear answer. Perhaps a surprising path awaits him”, Bozovic said. The remark, made in the context of evaluating a high-level striker’s life beyond the pitch, drew attention for its openness about an uncertain future for a player who has spent years at the pinnacle of Russian football.
Dzyuba and Bozovic previously crossed paths at Rostov, where they helped the team lift the Russian Cup in the 2013/14 season. Later, the striker featured for Zenit St. Petersburg, before moving to Arsenal Tula on a loan arrangement overseen by a Montenegrin coach, and still tied to Zenit through his loan spell.
During his seven years with Zenit, Dzyuba established himself as one of Russia’s leading forwards, contributing to four national league titles and three domestic cup victories. He later signed with Lokomotiv Moscow for the previous season, and the partnership was extended under a 1+1 contract format, ensuring continued visibility for both player and club in the capital region.
In the current Russian Championship campaign, Dzyuba has appeared in 12 league matches, recording three goals and three assists. His ongoing form keeps him among the top forwards in Russia, contributing to Lokomotiv Moscow’s attacking options and overall campaign ambitions.
Earlier, Bozovic had offered criticism in response to remarks by Dzyuba about Semak, underscoring a history of outspoken exchanges within Russian football circles. The exchange highlighted the sometimes fiery dynamics between players and coaches that color the sport in the country and beyond.