Maxim Glushenkov, a 25-year-old Zenit St. Petersburg striker, reportedly left Zenit’s youth system after muttering the words “Ho Is Cold,” a detail highlighted on a Telegram channel run by journalist Ivan Karpov. The episode surfaced amid ongoing chatter about the forward’s development and future with the club.
In addition, the 25-year-old explained that he had been training after a recent spell away from action, a situation linked to reported dissatisfaction with head coach Sergei Semak. The team colors, blue-white-blue, are central to the club’s identity, and the tension surrounding the coaching setup at Zenit has been a talking point for supporters and media alike.
On March 25, Puree in Sports reported a clash between Glushenkov and Semak following Zenit’s defeat to Spartak Moscow in round 21 of the Russian Premier League. The report suggested a disagreement in the immediate aftermath of the match, fueling further speculation about the player’s status and the coaching relationship.
Semak reportedly dismissed the information as untrue, according to representatives within Zenit’s camp, who characterized the claim as miscommunication surrounding the post-match events. The manager’s response was part of broader discussions about team dynamics and the club’s direction heading into key league fixtures.
The match at the Lukoil Arena in Moscow finished 2-1 in favor of Spartak. The opening goal came from Spartak’s Christopher Martins, who struck in the second minute to give his side the early lead. Zenit equalized late in the game, with a goal attributed to Luis Enrique in the 84th minute. Martins then added a second in stoppage time to seal the dramatic victory for the home team.
That result left Spartak and Zenit tied on points in the league standings, while Krasnodar continued to lead the table after round 21. The competitive balance in the Russian Premier League remained tight, with several teams jockeying for position as the season progressed and the championship picture became increasingly unsettled.
Earlier reports indicated Spartak fans were considering a partial easing of a boycott of home fixtures, a development that pointed to shifting fan sentiment and the potential impact on attendance and atmosphere at league games. The evolving dynamics around fan engagement also reflected the broader atmosphere surrounding Russian football as clubs navigated the midseason period and prepared for upcoming clashes against rivals.