Gurtskaya on Zenits Finances: Cutting Meat for Chicken in the Cafeteria as a Cost-Saving Measure

Renowned football agent Timur Gurtzaya has shared his thoughts regarding the financial situation at FC Zenit in St. Petersburg.

— A decrease in Zenit’s expenditures? There is currently no evidence to support this. In what areas are they cutting costs? So far, there’s no confirmation. The notion that they’re trying to save on Russian players is not new. However, they continue to purchase foreign players, which makes the claim of reduced spending seem questionable. We’ll see how they handle the winter transfer window, especially since they aim to become champions. Then we’ll ask German again: where exactly are the cost-cutting measures? Perhaps they’ve swapped beef for chicken in the cafeteria as a means to save.

— The largest expense is the payroll. It was reported on the show EFB («This is football, brother.» — Ed. «Championat») that Gerson earns €6 million a year, while Wendell receives €4.5 million.
— For now, the payroll is exorbitant. I suspect Luis Enrique earns a salary similar to Wendell’s. So, when three players are making €15 million, it’s hard to argue that spending has decreased.

— Why, in your opinion, is Zyryanov only allowed to announce the new sponsorship partner in his new role?
— I can’t explain what’s happening at Zenit. We don’t have a direct line of communication with them. Arshavin is willing to discuss the academy, but when it comes to the first team, he learns about developments from the media, — Gurtzaya’s words are reported by the telegram channel «Football Biggie.»

Previously, the head of ProSports Management German Tkachenko stated that the St. Petersburg club has less money than before, while the deputy chairman for sporting development at Zenit, Andrey Arshavin, revealed that the club has entered a cost-cutting mode, reducing its budget.