Analyzing Zenit Saint Petersburg’s 1-3 setback against Orenburg in the Russian Premier League, coach Sergei Semak acknowledged the club faces a difficult stretch. The team’s press service framed the moment as a challenging period that requires steady work and focus from everyone involved.
Asked whether there was internal tension among players, Semak described the situation as unpleasant for all concerned. He emphasized continued effort from the squad, stating that the team remains in a tough position and must push forward despite the result. The tone reflected a calm, managerial resolve typical of a squad under pressure rather than a reactive mood trade.
From the kickoff, Zenit had an early lead through Gustavo Mantuan in the second minute, but the momentum shifted quickly. Within the first half-hour, Orenburg struck three times, with goals by Deogracia, Dmitry Vorobyov, Matias Perez, and Brian Mansilla turning the match around and sealing the win. The turnaround exposed vulnerabilities in Zenit’s defending and midfield organization that the coaching staff must address in training and preparation for forthcoming fixtures.
This result marked Zenit’s second consecutive league defeat. In the previous match, the blue-whites were edged 1-2 by Lokomotiv, underscoring a winless run that has stretched across ten league games so far this season. The club’s current record highlights a need for tactical adjustments, personnel continuity, and renewed confidence as the campaign progresses toward its midseason phase.
Earlier, Vladimir Ponomarev had criticized a former CSKA player for his role in Zenit’s loss to Orenburg, underscoring how criticism from club officials and observers has intensified as the season unfolds. The ongoing discourse around leadership, strategy, and on-field performance remains a defining feature of Zenit’s current chapter as they seek to stabilize and regain momentum in domestic competition and European contention [source].