Former Zenit mentor Vlastimil Petrzhela weighs in on the situation involving Artem Dzyuba and Sergei Semak. He notes that there does not appear to be any real rift between the striker and the Zenit head coach, emphasizing that the tension stems from media narratives rather than a genuine clash inside the club. Petrzhela adds that Dzyuba has been trying to draw Semak into a controversial conversation, but the Zenit manager remains calm, focused, and unfazed by the provocations. In his view, Zenit acted decisively by not renewing Dzyuba’s contract, asserting that the player currently ranks below the team’s other forwards in form and contribution. He describes Semak as a smart and principled coach who prioritizes the club’s interests over sensational headlines, a stance that supports the club’s decision to move forward without Dzyuba on the roster.
During the aftermath of the Zenit versus Lokomotiv encounter in the 26th round of the 2022/23 Russian Premier League season, Dzyuba was seen bypassing Semak without offering a handshake. Observers noted the moment as reflective of ongoing friction, though supporters on both sides characterized the incident as a temporary flare rather than a lasting feud. Dzyuba later explained that he did not notice the coach at that moment, framing the event as a misunderstanding rather than a deliberate snub. The episode became a talking point among fans and pundits alike, fueling discussions about leadership dynamics within the team and the evolving role of veterans in modern football squads.
In September, journalists pressed Artem Dzyuba for his take on Sergei Semak following Zenit’s 1–2 loss to Lokomotiv in the ninth round of the Russian Premier League. Dzyuba responded with a terse remark that suggested a lack of familiarity, saying he did not recognize who Semak was at that moment. The exchange underscored ongoing questions about the relationship between the players and the coaching staff and how such narratives influence public perception ahead of key league fixtures.
The upcoming match between Lokomotiv and Zenit, scheduled to take place in Moscow as part of the eighteenth round of the Russian Premier League, is set for December 3 at 16:30 Moscow time. This fixture carries significance beyond the points on the table, as it offers a renewed stage for both sides to demonstrate form, discipline, and cohesion under pressure. Anticipation surrounds whether Zenit will display resilience after their earlier decisions regarding veteran players and how Lokomotiv will respond to the challenge of facing a team that has recently recalibrated its lineup.
Earlier in the season, the club had already reduced the coaching staff in a bid to recalibrate strategic priorities, a move that coincided with broader squad changes. The evolving power dynamics inside Zenit have been a frequent topic of discussion among analysts who track how veteran leadership, player morale, and managerial philosophy interact on a day-to-day basis. Fans in Canada and the United States are watching closely as the Russian league continues to attract attention for its blend of tactical rigor and emotional narratives, reminding audiences that football stories in major leagues often hinge on personalities as much as on results.