In recent comments, Petersburg’s Zenith head coach Sergey Semak weighed in on potential reforms for the Russian Premier League (RPL), focusing on the idea of introducing a playoff phase or a third-round group stage in the competition structure. Semak framed the topic as a matter of journalism and pointed to media narratives that sometimes oppose his club. He summed up his stance with a poignant line: endure with love. He noted that many people tune in to watch top leagues like Italy’s Serie A or Spain’s La Liga, yet he questioned what value the current format lacks and what a playoff model would actually deliver.
Semak emphasized that his team’s supporters appreciate the style of play and suggested that any talk of restructuring should not be left to a single club or a narrow circle of observers. He remarked that the fans’ enthusiasm for their performances remains strong and that a significant gap in engagement between formats is not evident. From his perspective, discussions about changing the championship’s structure should not become a defining task for his staff or players, and he framed the issue as something that goes beyond his role to decide—he often cited the need to respect the tradition and rhythm of the current season, while acknowledging curiosity about potential improvements, as reported by Sport Express.
Earlier, the RPL President Alexander Alaev floated the possibility of a format change, noting that the discussions involved all interested parties and that the league might consider launching a playoff phase in the next season. Alaev stressed the importance of weighing every option to enhance the championship’s appeal and suggested that the topic deserved serious consideration, rather than quick conclusions. The tone reflected a broader appetite within Russian football to explore how the league could better capture fan interest, television audiences, and competitive balance as part of a long-term plan, as described during interviews with major sports outlets.
Former player and ex-head coach Dmitry Alenichev also weighed in, urging fans associated with the Red and White to focus attention beyond the immediate season and to consider broader perspectives about the championship’s trajectory. His comment underscored the tension that can accompany reform discussions and highlighted the challenge of aligning diverse fan expectations with strategic decisions at the league level. In sum, the dialogue around reform remains open, with leadership signaling willingness to explore options while repeatedly stressing the need to protect the sport’s heritage and the fans’ connection to the game, as covered by various sports media outlets.