Valery Nepomnyashchiy, formerly the head coach of Tom, offered his take on what could have sparked the clash between Lokomotiv players Artem Dzyuba and Sergei Pinyaev. Speaking to socialbites.ca, Nepomnyashchiy, who currently coaches Tom under Dzyuba, argued that the incident does not reflect an unhealthy team atmosphere.
He noted that he has witnessed moments in Lokomotiv games where Artem appeared frustrated by Pinyaev pushing a continued attack. Yet he stressed that such tension is not proof of a real conflict. It is possible that Artem simply sent a message through a hard challenge or a tough reaction, but the episode should not be interpreted as a sign of a poor team climate.
On November 14, journalist Ivan Karpov reported a postmatch altercation between Lokomotiv teammates Sergei Pinyaev and Artem Dzyuba following the game with Spartak. According to the report, during the postmatch meeting Dzyuba criticized Pinyaev over a number of errors, and Pinyaev responded by telling Dzyuba that he had been walking on the field while the rest of the team sprinted. After the match, Dzyuba is said to have encountered the young striker in the locker room, and a scuffle broke out that proved difficult to calm.
Earlier, Dzyuba and Pinyaev were involved in a confrontation that had been described as a sign of apathy within the squad. The current discussion centers on whether such moments reflect broader team dynamics or are isolated incidents that do not derail the club’s overall trajectory.
Analysts suggest these episodes should be viewed in the context of competitive pressure, player expectations, and the high stakes of professional football. The players involved come from teams with growing ambitions, and tensions can surface under intense schedules and public scrutiny. Observers emphasize that the ability to manage emotions on and off the field remains a critical skill for leaders and younger talents alike. The overarching takeaway is not a breakdown in trust but a momentary clash that teams often resolve through dialogue, leadership, and structured team rituals. Markers of resilience in football squads frequently appear in how quickly players reset after such incidents and continue to perform for the collective goal.
In a broader sense, this incident underscores the delicate balance teams navigate between competition and cohesion. Coaches and veterans are tasked with steering conversations that normalize opponents’ push for progress while maintaining mutual respect. The narrative around Lokomotiv, Artem Dzyuba, and Sergei Pinyaev remains dynamic as new developments unfold, with the coaching staff likely to prioritize clear communication, reaffirmed roles, and shared accountability to safeguard the squad’s unity and performance throughout the season.