Vladimir Bystrov, a former Russian national team player who spent significant time with Zenit St. Petersburg, shared his perspective on the recent move involving defender Danil Krugovoy. He suggested that St. Petersburg fans should not vent their frustration at Krugovoy for changing clubs, even though the move saw him depart for CSKA Moscow. This view was reported by Sports Express, where Bystrov offered his take on the transfer and the player’s ambitions in competitive football.
According to Bystrov, questions about a player who appeared in three league games in a season should not be framed as a loss or betrayal. He described Krugovoy as a capable footballer who found himself outpaced in the team’s selection process, stating that the defender did not lose skill but faced stiff competition for playing time. Bystrov emphasized that Zenit should not feel personally slighted by Krugovoy’s decision; instead, he argued that any sense of offense should be directed at the management and the circumstances that shaped the opportunity for the player to pursue more minutes on the pitch. The defender simply wanted a chance to play, and he waited for the moment when that opportunity would appear, with a manager who believed in his readiness to contribute. These comments reflect a nuanced view that shifting squads can be a result of thoughtful planning rather than disloyalty.
CSKA Moscow announced on January 17 that it had secured Krugovoy on a four-year contract. The deal allows the defender, who has earned caps with the national team, to spend the latter half of the 2023/24 season with Zenit before making the move to Moscow as a free agent once the contract with Zenit ends. Following the official announcement, Krugovoy was transferred to Zenit-2 and removed from the main squad roster. This sequence illustrates how clubs manage player transitions, especially when long-term plans are in play and stakeholders seek to optimize squad depth and performance in the coming seasons.
Krugovoy has been with Zenit since 2019 and has established himself as a regular member of the squad, contributing in various competitions and earning trust from coaching staff. His experience in the team during the years has helped shape his development as a defender capable of handling top-level duties in domestic and regional leagues. The current season saw him appear in a handful of matches in the Russian Premier League, adding an assist and contributing to the team’s continued push in the standings, where Zenit remains among the leaders in the championship race. The club’s approach to patient development and strategic placement of players reflects a broader philosophy of maintaining competitiveness while giving talents opportunities to showcase their abilities on larger stages.
Throughout the season, Krugovoy’s progress has been a topic of discussion among pundits and supporters alike, with the coaching staff balancing the needs of the squad against the potential for player growth. In parallel discussions, former figures in Russian football have offered their own assessments of Zenit’s performance and strategic direction, including predictions about outcomes against major rivals. These conversations underscore the dynamic nature of the league, where transfers can redefine teams’ trajectories and influence the fight for the title as the season unfolds. Such exchanges emphasize that football clubs continually adapt to optimize both present results and long-term development.