Former Zenit and Russian national team midfielder Vladislav Radimov has signaled that the summer exits of Daler Kuzyaev and Malcom will leave Zenit with a notable set of questions for the upcoming campaign. He believes these departures will have a lasting impact on how the team approaches the season and how the club is perceived in the city of St. Petersburg. The chatter around the club has intensified, and many fans wonder how Zenit will navigate the gaps created by these significant departures.
Radimov argues that Zenit’s largest challenge lies in replacing Kuzyaev and, above all, Malcom. Replacing players of that caliber is rarely simple. The team is currently struggling to fill the void, and the changes this summer have been reflected on the pitch. The cohesion and tempo that characterized last season’s performances appear to be missing at times, and supporters keen on a steady, consistent run are left hoping for a quick restoration of balance across all departments. The absence of a unified, 90-minute performance standard seems more pronounced than in the previous campaign, fueling debates about how to rebuild an identity that once translated into reliable demonstrations of strength.
Intrigue remains a factor in every match, and Radimov notes that Krasnodar tasted the thrill of victory late in a recent clash, counting on that momentum to boost their confidence heading into forthcoming fixtures. The competitive edge shown by Krasnodar in finishing with a late winner is a reminder that every game in the league can pivot on moments of decisive play. That sense of late drama can become a motivating force for Krasnodar as they push through the season, while Zenit must respond with renewed determination to keep pace with the leading teams.
Zenit has spent 18 weeks in the Russian Premier League this season and sits in second place on the table with a solid points haul. The last round saw Sergei Semak’s squad secure a 1-0 victory against Paris Nizhny Novgorod, a result that underlined the team’s resilience in tight contests. Krasnodar, on the other hand, headed into the winter break at the top of the standings, having collected enough points to sit clear of the chasing pack. Their 1-0 win over CSKA in the 18th round showcased their ability to grind out results, leaving Dinamo with a respectable third place on the table behind the two leaders. The shifting dynamics among the top teams highlight the depth of the league and the ongoing race for European qualification spots. The current state of play is a reminder that every point matters and that teams must adapt quickly to maintain momentum as the season resumes.
In this period of transition for Zenit, it’s clear that the club’s former players reflect on how the team has evolved and what the squad’s future steps should be. A veteran of the club who once wore the Zenit jersey has stated that he watched events unfold with a mix of concern and expectation, recognizing that the fan experience has been shaped by these developments. The tone in the stands and among supporters suggests a desire for stability as well as ambition, signaling that the club cannot simply rely on past achievements but must also demonstrate continued growth and pragmatic planning for the future.