Zenit footballer Diveev spoke about working together with Semak in Ufa

Zenit defender Igor Diveev, in an interview with Match TV, explained how the work at the training camp for Sergei Semak in the St. Petersburg club and in Ufa differs.

On January 11, Zenit announced the transfer of Diveev from CSKA. The 26-year-old football player’s agreement with the St. Petersburg club runs until the end of the 2028/29 season. Semak led Ufa in 2016–18, Diveev played for the Ufa team in 2018–19.

— When did you learn about Zenit’s interest?

— Around mid-November.

— What was on the scales?

— I wanted a new challenge. Plus, the competition at Zenit is very high, which means there will be something to prove.

— Did meeting Sergei Semak at Ufa become an additional argument in favor of the transfer?

— We crossed paths for quite a long time, and in Ufa everything was completely different. First of all, in terms of tactics and training process. Then Sergei Bogdanovich was just starting to work as a head coach. I compare my first training camps with him then and now and I understand that the requirements are completely different and in general a lot has changed. But this is understandable given the Zenit team and its level. On the other hand, as a person, Sergei Semak remained the same,” Diveev told Match TV.

Diveev has played for CSKA since 2019. The defender has 203 matches for the army team, 20 goals and five assists. The footballer played 19 matches for the Russian national team and scored one goal.

Zenit is in second place in the MIR RPL standings after 18 rounds, gaining 39 points.

Zenit will take part in the WINLINE RPL Winter Cup 2026 from February 3 to 10 in Abu Dhabi. Live broadcasts of all matches of the tournament will be available on the Match TV and MATCH PREMIER TV channels.

• “Before coming to Zenit, I didn’t ask anyone anything – it’s more interesting to find out everything yourself.” Interview with Igor Diveev