Semak Discusses Wendells Future with Zenit After CSKA Match

The head coach of Saint Petersburg’s Zenit, **Sergei Semak**, commented on the playing time of Brazilian midfielder **Wendel** and assessed his future with the team. In the third round of the Russian Premier League match against CSKA (1:1), the midfielder was a part of the starting lineup and played for 84 minutes.

**— You mentioned that those who are stronger should play. Do you believe Wendel is indeed stronger than those who have received less playing time?**
— For me, it’s 100%.

**— 100%?**
— 200%!

**— Are you counting on him as a Zenit player this season, or is this just showcasing him before seeking a more profitable employment opportunity?**
— He is a player for Zenit, and we are living in the realities of the current situation. At this moment, there are no concrete offers; he remains our player for now. We’ll see what happens next, — quoted Semak on Zenit’s official website.

Wendel missed the first two matches of Zenit in the Russian league. However, he was on the field from the start in both the first round of the group stage of the RPL Path in the Russian Cup against Akhmat (2:1) and the third round of the RPL against CSKA. Previously, the blue-white-blue squad had agreed on a transfer for Wendel to Botafogo for €20 million, but the deal was eventually canceled.