In St. Petersburg, former Russian national team head coach Fabio Capello spoke about Sergei Semak, the current Zenit coach, sharing his perspective through RB Sports. Capello acknowledged Semak’s impact on the league and noted how the manager’s approach has reshaped expectations around Russian club football.
Capello pressed the idea that Semak can be considered the top RPL coach of the recent period. He argued that true greatness in the league isn’t earned by a single title but proven by sustained success, pointing out that becoming champion five times in a row is not a trivial feat. This combination of consistency and longevity, Capello suggested, cements Semak’s standing as Russia’s strongest coach in the current era and highlights the depth of his leadership across seasons.
On a related note, Zenit sealed the league crown on May 7 after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Spartak Moscow in the 26th round of the RPL, securing the championship ahead of schedule. A week later, on May 14, Zenit encountered Krasnodar in the 27th round and finished the match with a 2-2 draw. Following those results, the team was formally recognized as the tournament winner, receiving the gold medal and the coveted trophy that caps a successful campaign.
Historically, Zenit has established itself as a dominant force in Russian football, with the club earning ten national championships over its storied existence. The current triumph adds another notable chapter to a legacy defined by a long series of high achievements and a continuing standard of excellence on domestic soil.
Meanwhile, former Zenit player Ivan Sergeev publicly celebrated the Gold Medal moment, expressing his genuine happiness for the team’s championship success. Sergeev noted that while the victory was a monumental milestone, he had not yet received the associated bonus, a detail he mentioned in a spirit of transparency about the financial aspects that sometimes accompany such celebrated wins.