Krasnodar defender Sergei Volkov spoke in a candid interview about how he unwinds after tough matches and reflected on the remarks attributed to Lokomotiv striker Artem Dzyuba regarding depression. The conversation offers insight into how players manage stress, balance routines, and maintain mental health under the pressures of a high-stakes season.
Volkov described his approach to off-field recovery in detail. He explained that he avoids substances that could derail his routine and emphasizes family support, rest, and proper nutrition. He noted that there are no risky habits in his household and that family discussions at home help him process the emotional demands of professional football. He stressed that his current routine is more stable and effective than in the past, underscoring the ongoing evolution of an athlete’s coping strategies as careers mature and seasons become more demanding. He also highlighted the importance of a clear boundary between sport and personal life, allowing for genuine recuperation after intense competitions.
Regarding the sensational remarks attributed to Dzyuba, Volkov acknowledged that the comments were made publicly and expressed his personal reaction. He stated that the framing of depression in a casual, offhand way was unacceptable to him, suggesting that such topics require sensitivity and careful handling in the public arena. This response reflects a broader conversation within the sport about mental health and the responsibility of public figures to discuss these issues with nuance.
There is additional context around Dzyuba’s remarks. The footballer had previously spoken about his relationship with the notion of depression, noting that he did not recognize or fully accept the term in the way it is sometimes used in media discussions. This stance sparked conversation among teammates and fans about how mental health is represented in football, and how players can support one another without sensationalizing personal struggles. The dialogue highlights the evolving attitudes toward mental wellness in professional sports and the need for ongoing education and empathy in handling such topics.
On the club side, Dzyuba signed a six-month contract with Lokomotiv in February. Prior to joining Lokomotiv, he spent a brief period with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, a move that exposed him to a different league culture and style of play before returning to Russia. Since rejoining competition in the domestic league, Dzyuba produced eight goals and five assists across 11 appearances, a prolific contribution that has kept him in the discussion among top forwards in the league. This performance track record illustrates how a player can adapt across leagues and still deliver when returning to a familiar footballing environment.
Within the teams he has joined, Dzyuba has been described by teammates and coaches as a source of levity and leadership—a player who brings humor and a positive mood to the locker room, often acting as the team joker who helps lift collective spirits. Such personality traits can be valuable in maintaining team morale during long seasons and high-pressure matches, even as on-field responsibilities are demanding. The blend of his on-field output and off-field charisma has left a memorable impression on those who have worked closely with him, shaping his reputation beyond statistics alone.
There have also been discussions about contractual decisions related to Dzyuba’s commitments, including remarks from former Lokomotiv officials regarding contract changes tied to media appearances and public engagements. These conversations underscore the complex balance clubs seek to strike between performance, public image, and contractual obligations. They reveal how off-field factors can influence a player’s career trajectory and the strategic considerations clubs weigh when navigating player relationships and media responsibilities. Overall, the current narrative around Dzyuba and Volkov paints a picture of modern football as a field where athletic performance, mental health awareness, and media dynamics intersect in noticeable ways, shaping how players are perceived and how teams manage the delicate interplay between sport, psychology, and public discourse. [citation: Sports24 interview coverage]