Former Zenit coach Vlastimil Petrzhela discusses earnings and achievements
Vlastimil Petrzhela, a former head coach of Zenit, spoke about his time with the club during a conversation near the banks of the Neva. The remarks were shared with RB Sport, offering a rare glimpse into the financial side of his tenure and the memories attached to it.
According to Petrzhela, his stint at Zenit lasted about four and a half years. He was paid roughly 250 thousand euros for each calendar year of service, which added up to a total in excess of 1.3 million euros over his time in Russia. He emphasized that the money was not all lost at the casino, as some rumors suggested. Instead, he described investing the earnings in real estate and automobiles, converting his salary into tangible assets outside the football arena.
Petrzhela led Zenit from 2003 to 2006, guiding the team to notable achievements. Under his management, the squad earned a silver medal in the Russian Championship, highlighting a period of strong performance. The club also captured the Premier League Cup in 2003, finishing ahead of Chornomorets in the final stages of the competition.
In recent seasons, Zenit has continued to achieve success, including clinching the Russian championship title for the fourth time in a row. On July 15, Zenit secured a victory in the Russian Super Cup through a penalty shootout against CSKA, adding another trophy to the club’s cabinet and reinforcing its status in domestic football.
There is a lingering sense of reflection around Petrzhela’s career, with some noting how his experiences and decisions shaped a lasting chapter in Zenit’s history. While public discourse often focuses on results and finances, Petrzhela’s reflections remind fans of the personal journey behind the sport and the transitions that accompany leadership roles in big clubs.