Semak: “It was difficult for Dzyuba to spend so much time in one team”

Zenit head coach Sergei Semak spoke about his conversation with Artem Dzyuba about his future in the team, noting that it was hard for the striker to spend a lot of time in one club.

Dziuba left Zenit at the end of the 2021/22 season in the RPL. In August, the Russian moved to the Turkish club Adana Demirspor, signing a contract under the 1 + 1 scheme.

– Did you have a conversation with him in which you discussed his role in case he stays?

– We talked in the winter. He’s a pretty smart guy. And he knew perfectly well what the situation would be if he stayed. I think it was difficult for him, as an emotional person, to spend so much time in one team. He feels most comfortable when he is the leader on the field. Then everything suits him. And in this state, he opens up.

Could you promise him that?

– I can not promise anyone that he will play. It all depends on the situation, on the scheme, on the game. You will play if you are stronger than your competitor. If the circuit or game we are building will fit. I think any coach will tell you so,” Semak told Sport24.

Dzyuba spent 7 years at Zenit St. Petersburg.