Vladimir Ponomarev, a former defender who wore the CSKA and USSR national team colors, weighed in on the dynamic between Zenit’s head coach Sergei Semak and defender Danil Krugovoy. His comments were summarized by Euro-Football.Ru, highlighting a potentially tense relationship that could influence the club’s on-field choices. Ponomarev suggested that disagreements between the coach and the player may have lingered, noting Krugovoy’s evident appetite to compete for a regular spot in the A team while finding himself left out of the lineup. In football, extended bench time can dull sharpness and match fitness, which often translates into reduced performance when called upon. Ponomarev implied that the decision to keep Krugovoy out of the season’s main squad and the accompanying training regime might reflect friction with Semak, and he hinted that such a stance could be a misstep in terms of managing the squad and fostering player development for the long run. Euro-Football.Ru captured the notion that internal disagreements can shape a team’s midseason trajectory and influence tactical planning, especially when a veteran defender is suddenly sidelined or reallocated within the squad structure.
On January 17, CSKA announced a four-year contract for Krugovoy, a move that brought renewed attention to his career path. The defender would join Zenit in the latter half of the 2023/24 season, but this shift would see him depart for Moscow as a free agent once his contract reached its conclusion. In the wake of the formal announcement, Krugovoy was assigned to Zenit-2 and removed from Zenit’s first-team roster, signaling a transitional phase for the player and the squad alike. The timing of this transfer added another layer to conversations about how midseason changes affect group dynamics and the balance between established starters and emerging contributors.
Having been part of Zenit since 2019, Krugovoy has built a routine and presence within the team. Throughout the current season, he has appeared in 12 Russian Premier League matches and contributed one assist, underscoring his ongoing role in the club’s pursuit of domestic success. Zenit continued to press for high finishes, remaining in a competitive position near the top of the table as the campaign progressed. The ongoing narrative around Krugovoy’s role illustrates how a veteran player’s status and a coach’s strategic plan can intersect, affecting minutes, development opportunities, and squad harmony.
Earlier in the season, reports emerged that another Zenit teammate sent a message to supporters after Krugovoy’s removal from the RPL roster. This episode reflected the wider mood inside the squad and among fans, highlighting how midseason transfers and reshuffles can unsettle a group that has grown used to a certain rhythm. The sense of disruption can be especially acute when a defender who has been with the team for several years is suddenly repositioned or displaced. Such moments often prompt conversations about leadership, professional relationships, and the club’s approach to maintaining competition for places while preserving cohesion among players who share a long history together.