Kuzyaev is able to become the new captain of Zenit, Semshov believes

The head coach of the Chaika football club, Igor Semshov, told RB Sport that he does not consider Dejan Lovren’s transfer to Lyon a loss for Zenit.

“Lovren is not a loss for Zenit,” Semshov believes. The club will find a replacement for him. There are quite qualified players, such as Chistyakov, Rodrigao. Zenit had a hand in ensuring that Dejan successfully performed at the World Cup and moved to the European team. It is a normal practice when, after big tournaments, the club helps the players to move to the European championship.

Lovren was the captain of Zenit. Who from the current composition of the Petersburgers will become the new captain?

– There are decent players. Most likely, one of the Russian football players who is worthy of wearing an armband will become the captain. The captain must be a leader on and off the field. Kuzyaev is able to become the captain of Zenit. There is also Douglas Santos, who was already wearing an eyepatch. The coaching staff will make the right decision.

– Does Zenit need a new central defender?

– You should not buy a new player, because the Petersburgers do not play in European competitions. In addition, there is Alip, who signed a contract with Zenit. Wilmar Barrios and Douglas Santos can close the position of the central defender. Zenit may well finish the season with the current squad.

The 33-year-old Croat has been playing for St. Petersburg since 2020. In their composition, he twice became the champion of Russia. In December last year, Lovren, together with the Croatian national team, became the bronze medalist of the World Cup.