Famous Russian coach Valery Ovchinnikov commented on the conflict between forward Artem Dzyuba and Zenit's head coach Sergey Semak in an interview with "SE".
— Did you see Dzyuba's interview where he lashed out at many?
— I haven't read it or seen it. But I've heard about it.
— And what do you think?
— Why is he giving interviews? Maybe to stay relevant? He seems to be in the spotlight now. He's playing for "Akron" and is on the field.
— Why does he make such statements then?
— Apparently, he doesn't want to fade away. And what is it that you journalists don’t like? There are topics to discuss! Write if you want. Dzyuba is giving you something spicy, something with a kick. Isn't that good for you? He might insult someone or splash a certain substance on another... Many are just waiting for that.
— He says he won't shake hands with Semak and Galaktionov.
— Well, that's something... Dzyuba hasn't grasped the most important thing. Does Semak even want Dzyuba to shake his hand? That's the most interesting part. Where is Semak and where is Dzyuba? I beg you...
— Where?
— Dzyuba will play football for another year or two. God bless him with health. But will he become a coach? That's a big question. Semak has established himself as a player and has been winning championships with Zenit for six years. Feel the difference! Semak and Dzyuba are in two different weight classes! Of course, if you put them on a scale, Dzyuba would outweigh Semak. But in other respects... I'm not so sure. There can be no equality sign between them. Semak is a football heavyweight. That's all there is to it.