Zenit's Anatoly Davydov
The speculation regarding Luciano Spalletti’s move to Zenit can finally end, though the hope many had at getting a man with Spelletti’s profile in to Russia now fades. Such a somber tone would be ill-placed, however, since a Anatoly Davydov, the architect behind Zenit’s second half resurgence, has been given the permanent job.
Or, has he? We’ll get to that in a minute.
The news started to trickle in on Saturday, with more reports coming through on Monday. Amidst the various announcements across the world’s media, Zenit’s web site did not make an announcement, though it is now clear the decision has been made.
Zenit not announcing this news is key. Confirming Davydov through the end of the season may be seen as the status quo, from their point of view. Making the move official – more binding – may be putting out a fire before it starts. The deal with Davydov does not secure his job beyond Round 30 of the season. Davydov is under contract with Zenit for next season, but only as a club option.
Over the past month, we have speculated that bringing in a coach now would be disruptive to Zenit’s question for a Champions League spot. Zenit seems to agree, having only signed Davydov through the end of the year. Davydov, in agreeing to a deal structured in a way that a big-name coach would not sign it, is clearly on the same page. He wants to stay with Zenit (and likely will in some form, no matter what) but understands the club’s priorities.
The contract structure makes those priorities. They are going to go after Spalletti or Roberto Mancini after the season, but they refuse to disrupt the club before December. If jobs within Italy open up, so be it, but it is not worth risking a Champions League run just to secure one of the choice coaches.
Speculation: It seems that Zenit, in the wake of the Milan and (at the time) Napoli rumors, pushed Spalletti to sign and got no response. In that light, they have no indication Spalletti will sign anytime soon, so they’ve decided to temporarily move on. They secured Davydov.
This contract also gives Davydov time to win the job. If he leads them to a league title or to one of the automatic Champions League spots, he may retain his job if he’s willing to take significantly less money than Spalletti.
But that’s in the future. Now that Davydov has led Zenit from seventh to third, putting them back in contention for Champions League, Zenit wants to give him focus and a chance to finish the job.
If he does, Davydov could see that option picked up.
In the interim, nothing’s changed.
Davydov is the best!
[...] connection with Zenit makes him the fourth Italian whose name was been linked to the seat currently occupied by Anatoly Davydov. Spalletti’s connection has been a constant, as has former Internazionale Milano boss Roberto [...]
[...] Slutsky have a Davydov-esque deal with CSKA, one which the club can opt out of before the start of next season? Given the nature of [...]