Lokomotiv’s new signings Artem Dzyuba and Sergey Pinyaev drew attention in Rostov, as Zarema Salikhova, wife of former Spartak Moscow owner and chairman Leonid Fedun, recorded their first appearance for the rail workers club in the Russian Premier League (RPL). The match was overseen by head coach Valery Karpin, whose leadership has become a talking point among observers and fans alike.
Salikhova remarked on the duo’s performance, noting, “How Dzyuba Valera was dismantled! And how good Pinyaev is! It’s a pity it’s not Spartak. He is a good football player with his style of play, field vision and aggression.” The comment, cited by sports24, underscores the high expectations surrounding Dzyuba’s return and Pinyaev’s potential impact with Lokomotiv.
In Lokomotiv’s first RPL game after the winter break, they faced Rostov, and Dzyuba delivered a memorable performance by scoring a hat-trick, guiding the squad to a 3-1 victory. The triumphant outing marked a strong re-entry for the striker into Russian football after a stint abroad.
This season’s narrative saw Dzyuba begin his campaign with Turkish club Adana Demirspor, a chapter he closed by terminating his contract before rejoining Russian football as a free agent. He signed with Lokomotiv, returning to his home country with the aim of reigniting his career on familiar soil and contributing his experience to the squad’s ambitions.
Pinyaev’s move to Lokomotiv occurred during the pause at Samara’s Wings of the Soviet championship, a period that allowed him to transition and integrate with the team ahead of the competition’s resumed schedule. His arrival added another layer of depth to Lokomotiv’s attacking options and tactical flexibility under the current coaching setup.
In a separate conversation, Tatiana Marempolskaya, described as a clinical psychologist, discussed Dzyuba’s relationship with Valery Karpin and reflected on his experiences in Turkey, including the scrutiny faced from critics and rivals such as Zenit. The interview offered readers insight into the pressures that accompany a high-profile return to domestic football and the personal navigation of a player’s public narrative.