In a discussion on the Championata.com podcast titled Injustice Premier League, commentator Dmitry Shnyakin highlighted a tension between Valery Karpin, the Russian national team coach, and Maxim Glushenkov, a Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder. The core issue, according to Shnyakin, was a dispute that ultimately prevented Glushenkov from receiving a call-up to the national squad. He explained that during a post-match moment at the national camp, Karpin urged Glushenkov to change his clothes and step outside. Glushenkov reportedly refused to comply, leaving unclear the exact wording of his stance and raising questions about why he would be asked to leave the room at the end of the gathering.
Glushenkov’s current stint with Zenit began in the summer after his transfer from Lokomotiv. Since joining the blue and white squad, he has made an immediate impact, scoring four goals across two appearances. Notably, he bagged a brace against Krasnodar in the Russian Super Cup, which Zenit won 4:2. He then contributed to Zenit’s 4:0 victory over Krylya Sovetov in the opening round of the new Russian Premier League season. His contract with Zenit runs through the summer of 2028, signaling the club’s long-term plans for his development and role in the squad.
Karpin has held the national team coaching duties since 2021, a role he combines with responsibilities at Rostov. The national team, along with several clubs, faces suspension from international competitions, a situation impacting selection dynamics and player opportunities at the moment. This broader context helps explain why certain players, including Glushenkov, navigate a complicated path toward national team inclusion during a period of reduced international activity.
There is ongoing discussion about Glushenkov’s scoring performance for Zenit compared with his time at Lokomotiv. Analysts and fans alike note that his ability to find the net appears sharper in the Zenit setup, where the system and supporting cast create more scoring chances. This comparison frequently surfaces in conversations about his development, form, and potential for future national team consideration, especially as Zenit continues to compete for domestic titles and in European competition.
As the season progresses, attention remains on how Zenit’s tactical plans leverage Glushenkov’s pace, movement, and finishing instinct. At the same time, national team selectors weigh the implications of Shnyakin’s remarks and the evolving relationship between players and the coaching staff. The dialogue surrounding Glushenkov reflects broader questions about selection criteria, coaching philosophy, and the balance between club performance and national duties in modern football.