Vlastimil Petrzhela, the former Zenit head coach, spoke about the circulating rumor that Artem Dzyuba could continue his career in the Azerbaijan championship. The statements were reported by Sports24, and Petrzhela addressed them with his characteristic candidness, weighing the potential move against the realities on the ground for a player of Dzyuba’s profile. He offered a clear perspective based on his experience coaching in Russia and understanding of the demands such a climate and league often place on a striker of Dzyuba’s standing.
Petrzhela warned that if Dzyuba were to accept a transfer to Azerbaijan, it would pose a serious challenge for him to adapt to the physical toll of hot, long days of training and matches. He emphasized that the higher tempo and intense heat could affect performance, recovery, and overall ability to bear the workload typical for a player who has spent much of his career in colder or milder environments. In Petrzhela’s view, such a step might not align with Dzyuba’s long-term playing goals, and he suggested that remaining in Russia would offer more stability and familiar competitive rhythm for the striker, who would still be valued by Russian clubs seeking top-tier forwards.
The discussion around Dzyuba’s club situation continued to evolve when it was reported on July 14 that he had remained in match shape while training with Rubin Kazan, the club that had recently seen relegation to the first division following the previous season’s results. Despite the kept fitness level, there were indications that Dzyuba might not be inclined to sign a full contract with a Kazan side, given the broader strategic choices available to him and the needs of potential suitors within the Russian football landscape. This development added another layer to the ongoing negotiations and considerations surrounding the striker’s next career chapter, leaving fans and analysts weighing the options and potential trajectory for his professional life in the near future.
Vyacheslav Koloskov, who once served as Honorary President of the Russian Football Union, also weighed in on Dzyuba’s future, suggesting that the forward might be nearing the end of his time in Russia and could idealize opportunities in North American or Middle Eastern leagues. Koloskov’s perspective reflected a broader sentiment among some veteran observers who view Dzyuba’s next chapter as a phase that could involve new environments and different competitive contexts, perhaps outside the familiar setting of the Russian Premier League. The dialogue around Dzyuba’s career thus encompassed a blend of domestic considerations and international possibilities, highlighting the player’s enduring value while acknowledging shifts in the football market that increasingly offer options across continents.